LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, t 



I UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. ^ 



MRINLMY, 






AN 



HISTORICAL DISCOURSE 



MEMORIALS OF DECEASED MEMBERS 



§io(U,«i |^«iiisi0datiott of pittisit^t.^. 






AN 



HISTORICAL DISCOURSE, 



DELIVERED ON THE 



ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY 



OF THE 



HOLLIS ASSOCIATION OF MINISTERS, 



MAY 6, 1862, 



AT HOLLIS, N-EW-HAMPSHIEE, 



V 

JOSIAH a. DAVIS, 

PASTOR OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, AMHERST, N. H. 



SKETCHES OF DECEASED MEMBERS, 

BY 

HUMPHREY MOOEE, D. D., AMOS W. BURNHAM, D. D., EEV. SAMUEL 
LEE AND EEV. DANIEL GOODWIN. 



co:^rcoED: 

FEINTED BY McFAKLAND & JENKS. 
1862. 



*</' 



PREFACE. 



At a quarterly meeting of the Hollis Association, held at Hollis, in 
February, 1861, the question of observing the first Centennial Anniversary 
of this body was considered, and the following votes passed : (1) That the 
origin of this Association be commemorated by appropriate public services ; 
(2) that Eevs. P. B. Day, J. G-. Davis and T. P. Sawin be a Committee 
of Arrangements; and (3) thatEev. A. V^. Burnham, d. d., be requested 
to prepare an historical discourse. At a subsequent meeting of the Asso- 
ciation, Dr. Burnham having declined this service, the preparation of the 
discourse was assigned to Rev. J. G. Davis, and Eev. Drs. Moore and 
Burnham and Eev. Messrs. Lee and Goodwin were requested to prepare 
sketches of deceased members, after the following order : Eev. H. Moore, 
D. D., to furnish sketches of such as died previous to 1810, Dr. Burnham of 
those who died between 1810 and 1830, and Eev. Messrs. Lee and Good- 
win of those who died since 1830. 

The people of Hollis, at the suggestion of their pastor, having invited 
the Association to occupy their house of worship and accept their hospital- 
ities at the proposed celebration, a circular was issued by the Committee of 
Arrangements, inviting ministers and all others, interested in the faith 
and order of the early churches of this county, to attend he centennial 
services on Tuesday, the 6th day of May, 1862. The day was pro- 
pitious, and the neighboring churches were largely represented in the con- 
course of people. 

Eev. William Clark conducted the introductory services, reading the 
48th Psalm, leading in prayer, and reading the 559th hymn of the Psalms 
and Hymns (Ct. Col.): 

" Here, Lord of life and light, to thee 
Our Pilgrim fathers bowed the knee." 

Eev. Mr. Davis delivered the historical discourse, pausing in the midst 



4 

while the congregation, led by the choir, sung the second version of the 
44th Psalm (Tate and Brady) : 

" O JLord, our fathers oft have told 
In our attentive ears." 

At the close of the discourse the 1019th hymn, from the Sabbath Hymn 
Book, was sung, commencing 

" Far down the ages now, 

Much of her journey done. 
The Pilgrim church pursues her way 

Until her crown be won." 

The benediction was pronounced by the preacher. 

At the close of the morning service the chairman, Eev. Mr. Day, in 
behalf of his people, presented friendly salutations to the Association and 
all strangers present, and invited them to the hall below, to partake of the 
liberal entertainment there provided. The hall and tables were hand- 
somely decorated with flowers and evergreens ; on the walls hung the 
portraits of several deceased ministers, with some of the fathers and 
mothers of the town. Kev. Dr. Bouton, of Concord, invoked the divine 
blessing. Before rising from the table the chairman read letters from 
Kev. E. E. Adams and Kev. Daniel March, both of Philadelphia. Dr. 
Burnham also read a letter from Eev. Dr. Silas Aiken, of Kutland, Vt. 
In all these letters the writers expressed their strong attachment to the 
ancient faith of the Puritan fathers and a lively interest in the Association, 
with regrets at not being able to attend the celebration. 

At half past 1 o'clock p. m., the public exercises were resumed, by 
singing the 1247th hymn of the Sabbath Hymn Book : 

" For all thy saints, O God, 
"Who strove in Christ to live." 

Kev. Thomas Savage, of Bedford, led in prayer. Kev. Dr. Bouton read 
some brief extracts from the "Minutes of the General Convention of 
Ministers in New-Hampshire," with a design to illustrate and confirm the 
statements of the morning discourse, in relation to the fearless courage 
and intelligent patriotism of the early ministers of this colony. Kev. Dr. 
Moore then read the memorials which he had prepared of fifteen mem- 
bers of the Association, deceased before 1810. The choir sung the 902d 
hymn of the Sabbath Hymn Book : 

" Stand up, stand up for Jesus! 
Ye soldiers of the cross." 



Kev. Dr. Burnham followed, by reading memorials of eight deceased 
members. Sketches were also read by Kev. Messrs. Lee and Goodwin, 
according to appointment, making thirty-one in the whole. 

The audience then joined with much spirit in singing, " God bless our 
native land ;" tune — America. Kev. Mr. Wallace, of Manchester, followed 
with a few pertinent remarks, suggested by the precious memories of the 
departed. Prayer was offered and the benediction pronounced by Kev. 
Jonathan McGee, of Nashua. 

After the public services, the ministers present and their families were 
invited to the pastor's house for a social interview, and to take tea. 

By vote of the Association, the thanks of all present were tendered to 
the choir of singers, and to the pastor and people of Hollis, for the cordial 
interest which they have manifested in the centennial celebration, and the 
generous and tasteful entertainment provided for the occasion. The Asso- 
ciation also voted that the discourse and sketches be published, under the 
direction of the Committee of Arrangements, as an humble effort to per- 
petuate the memories of their venerated fathers and of the interesting 
scenes in which they were the chief actors. 

HoLLis, July 31, 1862. 



DISCOURSE 



Christian Fathers and Brethren : — In harmony with 
the theme on which I am requested to address you this 
day, I will read the three following passages from the 
word of God : 

Psalm 44 : 1-3. We have heard with our ears, O G-od, our fathers have 
told us, what work thou didst in their days in the times of old. How thou 
didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them ; how thou 
didst afflict the people, and cast them out. Eor they got not the land in 
possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them : but 
thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because 
thou hadst a favor unto them. 

1 Tim. 3 : 1. This is a true saying, If a man desire the ofBce of a 
bishop, he desireth a good work. 

2 Tim, 1 : 13. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard 
of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 

The history of a minister's meeting does not, in itself, 
present many features of permanent interest. The origin 
of such an association has nothing to dazzle the imagina- 
tion or kindle deep emotion. The aims of its members 
were not ambitious ; thinking only of their own neces- 
sities, and the means by which they might better fulfill 
their duties, they framed an organization of unpretending 
character — so unpretending that they did not assume a 
specific name. But, like many other humble attempts to 
honor the Master, that movement stands related to almost 
every kindred institution and measure which has given 
religion strength and stability in the townships of this 
vicinity. Originating before the majority of the churches 



in this county had an existence, the action of its members 
shaped the agencies of education and religion in their 
incipient forms. The opinions and deliberations of these 
associated ministers gave direction to the minds of multi- 
tudes who had scarcely heard of their meetings, while 
their advice was sought by the churches in adjusting all 
doubtful points of order and discipline. "We shall accord- 
ingly find that the monthly or tri-monthly meetings, whose 
history we shall review, not only contributed to the spirit- 
ual culture and enjoyment of the members, but they 
provided wise counsels and disseminated words of truth, 
which gave direction to public sentiment. Under the 
ministrations of these associated pastors the institutions of 
the gospel were firmly established. It is becoming, there- 
fore, that we should commemorate the enlightened zeal 
and rare discretion of the men to whom we are so largely 
indebted for the intelligence and stability which have 
distinguished the churches of Hillsborough county. It 
should also be known that for many years the influence 
of the Association was not less auspicious in the border 
towns of Massachusetts. Should I not speak of those 
towns as fully as of those now represented, the reason will 
be found in my own lack of information,* not in any 
supposed failure of the Association to confer equal benefits 
on the churches of the older State. 

The observance of this centennial anniversary carries 
our thoughts backward to a period eventful in the history 
of the world, and of memorable importance in the annals 
of this State. In 1760 George III came to the British 
throne. Pitt, the great commoner, was still at the head 

* Materials for this discourse have been derived from a variety of sources. 
In addition to general and local histories, published sermons and records 
of the churches, many facts have been gathered by personal inquiries and 
correspondence with descendants of the first settlers of New-Hampshire. 
I am also indebted to several ministers for valuable information respecting 
their predecessors in office. 



9 

of the English government, and his energy was felt on 
both sides of the Atlantic. Washington had just attracted 
the eyes of his countrymen by his military successes 
in Western Pennsylvania. By the capture of Quebec, 
September, 1759, the rule of the French on this continent 
was broken, and the colonies rang with exultation. With 
the cessation of hostilities, a new impulse pervaded every 
department of industry ; and the inhabitants of New- 
England, relieved from the dread of death and of depreda- 
tions by the Indians, began to improve their lands and 
obtain grants for new townships. The animating effect 
of peace was no where more manifest than among the 
recent settlements in the interior of this province. The 
inhabitants of the older townships, in the eastern parts of 
the State, were tolerably secure ; but the settlements re- 
mote from the coasts were in constant apprehension of 
invasion by the Indians. In 1747 the people of Hollis 
petitioned the General Court for a military guard to de- 
fend them. At Amherst seven garrisoned houses afforded 
a place of safety to the inhabitants, in case of sudden 
attacks. For a time Hillsborough was deserted, and 
before the cessation of hostilities the upper towns on 
the Merrimack and the settlements on the Ashuelot and 
Connecticut rivers, suffered from predatory bands of the 
enemy. To defend themselves against the Indians, every 
town was required to furnish its quota of soldiers ; some 
of the companies being employed as rangers, scouring the 
woods and skirmishing with their stealthy foes, while 
others marched to reinforce the army at Crown Point and 
in Canada. Among the former were the followers of 
Rogers and Powers, who, by their daring and endurance, 
were dreadful to the enemy as any modern sharpshooters. 
The charges of the war, and the anxiety attending the 
conflict, bore heavily upon these infant settlements. "The 
greatest hopes from the reduction of Canada," says Hutch- 
inson, "as far as could be judged from the public prayers 



10 

of tlie clergy, as well as from the conversation of the 
people in general, was to sit quiet under their own vines 
and fig-trees, and to have none to make them afraid." 

At the close of the year 1760, thirteen churches had 
been formed on this side of Merrimack river ; three within 
the limits of Cheshire county — Winchester, Keene and 
Swanzey; three in Merrimack county — Penacook (Con- 
cord), Contoocook (Boscawen), and Hopkinton ; one at 
Charlestown, on the Connecticut river, and six in Hills- 
borough county. The last named were organized after 
the following order : Dunstable (E"ashua), Amherst, Hollis, 
Bedford, Lyndeborough, New-Ipswich. The church in 
Wilton was organized two years later, in 1763. As might 
be inferred, this was the day of small things. Hollis had 
a population of sixty families. The population of Am- 
herst could not have been much greater. At ISTew-Ipswich, 
the number enrolled on the tax-list was ninety-five. " The 
country," we are told, "was well timbered;" so that clear- 
ings were to be made in the forests, bridges constructed, 
roads laid out, school-houses and places of worship erected. 
For many years the only conveyance from town to town 
was on horseback. In the winter season, families were 
brought to the meeting-house on sleds drawn by oxen. 
In 1775 communication from IsTew-Ipswich to Boston 
was maintained by post-riders, who passed over the hills, 
through Wilton, to Amherst. A stage-coach was un- 
known till about 1795, when conveyance from Amherst 
to Boston by this method was advertised.* 

Twenty-five years after the formation of this body, 
funerals were attended, in remote neighborhoods in the 
winter, by walking on the snow with rackets ; the pastor 
and others finding the way by marked trees. 

"* A week was consumed by the trip. The same team passed over the 
whole route, stopping, in each direction, for the night, at Billerica, Mass. 
Passengers are now transported, hy the aid of railroad cars, to Boston, 
daily, and from many towns in the county hy two or three trains. 



11 

The salaries of the ministers who united in this Asso- 
ciation did not exceed in the average £50, about $200 or 
$220 per annum. The society in Lyndeborough '' voted 
to give Mr. Eand, the first minister, one shilling for each 
soul in town, and to increase the number of shillings 
with the increase of the number of souls." He also had 
liberty to preach six Sabbaths elsewhere. Every settled 
minister had a generous allowance of fuel and the use of 
the ministerial lot, which was set off in the first appor- 
tionment of the several townships. The cultivation of 
the soil was, in most cases, indispensable to the support 
of a family. 

The money in circulation was subject to great fluctua- 
tions in value. Books were scarce, being imported from 
England, and writing materials* costly. Wearing apparel, 
of a quality and color suitable for the pulpit, was not 
easily obtained. Of course the Sabbath suit — the coat 
with broad folds, the silk stockings and small-clothes — 
were preserved with tender care. 

The food of the inhabitants was plain, consisting of 
broth, milk, corn-bread, and pea or bean porridge, and 
chocolate, on occasions. In the spring, salmon and shad 
were brought from the Merrimack river. The first tea 
sent to the minister at Amherst was boiled in an iron pot 
until, as they supposed, "it was done," when they par- 
took of the mixture in the same manner as of the more 
familiar preparations. 

The domestic habits, modes of dress and style of living, 
have so changed, since that period, that we can scarcely 
persuade ourselves that our fathers in the ministry trav- 
ersed these hills by bridle-paths, fording the streams, to 
find their scattered parishioners, who had lived in apprehen- 
sion of assault from savages, and whose cattle and sheep 
were still in danger of prowling wolves. It certainly 

*The author has two sermons in his possession, in outline, delivered in 
1795, which are written on four pages of two by three inches in size. 



12 

increases our admiration of the early ministers of this 
region to find that, living amid these privations and 
perils, they were animated by such just views of their 
calling and by such honorable purposes of improvement, 
as appear in the organization of this Association. By 
whom the plan was proposed I am not able to determine. 

The first association in ]!!Tew-England of which we have 
any authentic record was framed on the model of one in 
Cornwall, England, of which Morton, who came to this 
country in 1686, was a member.* The meetings, com- 
mencing in 1690, were held at the College in Cambridge, 
on Monday, at 9 o'clock in the morning, once in &ix 
weeks. t Out of this body, at a subsequent period, came 
the famous proposals, which gave rise to the controversy 
which led Wise to write the " Churches' Quarrell Es- 
poused." By the logic and wit of this volume the popu- 
lar mind was stirred in defense of the freedom of the 
churches. The idea of organizing consociations was 
abandoned ; but associations were formed, whenever cir- 
cumstances favored, " by pastors, for the prosecution of 
evangelical purposes." In the discussions awakened by 
the advent of Whitefield, and the great awakening of 1740, 
we find frequent mention of the associated pastors of 
Boston ; so that members of the College at Cambridge, 
and students aiming at the ministry especially, must have 
been familiar with the existence and uses of associations. 

At the organization of " The General Convention of 
Ministers in the Province of i^ew-Hampshire," at Exeter, 
in 1747, the members say : " As we are desirous of 
strengthening each other's hands and promoting brotherly 
love, we agree to be as frequent as we can, conveniently, 
in visiting each other and meeting together for such pur- 
poses. And we think it expedient that the ministers of 

* See Congregational Quarterly, Yol. II, p. 256. 

f Bouton's Historical Discourse, p. 10 — quotation from the original 
records in the author's possession 



13 

the proviDce, of Congregational principles, who have been 
regularly ordained, meet all together once a year, and that 
they be formed into associations, to meet more frequently, 
as they shall agree, to unite their prayers and assist and 
encourage each other in the work of the gospel." 

As the members of the Convention were almost ex- 
clusively from the eastern section of the State, and their 
proceedings were not published, I am not certain that 
their recommendation had any influence with the found- 
ers of this body.* It is probable, however, that ministers' 
meetings were held in accordance with this advice. An 
association, called the Eastern Association, existed in 
York county, Maine, as early as 1743, with which min- 
isters of this province may have united. 

In 1744 mention is made of the Southern Association, 
"which comprised ministers in the border towns of Massa- 
chusetts and l^ew-Hampshire, near Haverhill." " The 
records of the Piscataqua Association commence October 
24, 1781, but they commence in such a way as implies 
that the association existed previously." The present 
constitution of that body is made up of articles adopted 
at earlier meetings of its members, but the date of its 
origin seems to be lost beyond recovery. f The Haverhill 
(I^. H.) Association and the E'orthern (now Hopkinton) 
Association were formed nearly twenty years after the or- 
ganization of the Hollis Association ; for this body, as will 
appear hereafter, is not to be confounded with the Amherst 



* The convention at Exeter, in 1747, " agreed that Eev, Messrs. "Walker, 
of Penacook, Stearns, of Contoocook, Whittemore, of Suncook, Wilkins, 
of South Higgin, Emerson, of Nissitisset, Merrill, of Nottingham, Bayley, 
of Methuen, and Plagg, of Chester, be sent to before next meeting, and 
invited to join us." This was before the Indian names of several town- 
ships had been abandoned. It does not appear from the minutes now 
extant that either Wilkins or Emerson ever attended the Convention. See 
original records in possession of Dr. Bouton. 

f Letter of Eev. E. Eobie, of Greenland. 



14 

Association, as some have inferred,* the records main- 
taining a continuous history from the origin to the present 
time. 

As the members were all graduates of Harvard College, 
personal friends, and, in three instances, relations, they 
would naturally be drawn together by congenial views 
and purposes. It is also worthy of notice that, with the 
exception of l^ew-Ipswich, these parishes were all within 
the limits of the original boundaries of the old town of 
Dunstable. The plan was probably matured as early as 
the date of Mr. Farrar's ordination at iTew-Ipswich, 
when both of the Emersons, Daniel and Joseph, were 
present. 

"In the year 1761," says the record, "the pastors of 
the churches in Amherst, Hollis, Pepperell, ITew-Ipswich, 
Dunstable — Massachusetts, and Townsend agreed to meet 
alternately at each other's houses, about once a month, 
except in the winter season, for the mutual encouraging 
and strengthening each other in the great work of the 
ministry." 

"Being hindered in Providence, did not all meet till 
1762 ;" from which I infer that part of the number held 
a meeting in 1761, and that their plans were shaped after 
the model of the association with which they had been 
familiar at Cambridge. In harmony with this view the 
record is continued : 

"May 5th, 1762. f Present, the whole Association, at 
Pepperell. For the regulation of future meetings, passed 
the following votes : 1. That the moderator be elective at 
every meeting. 2. That 10 o'clock a. m. be the time for 
opening the meeting. 3. That two prayers be made at 
each meeting ; the first by the person at whose house the 

*Dr. Bouton's Historical Discourse, p. 16. 

f As the otli of May, 1862, fell on Monday, the centennial celebration 
was observed on the following day (the 6th), as more convenient for the 
attendance of the Association and others interested. 



15 

meeting is, at the opening of it; the other by him at 
whose house we are to meet next, at the conclusion." 
These three votes, with the significant preamble already 
quoted, and a subsequent provision for a public lecture, 
answered every purpose of constitution and rules for 
nearly forty years. 

Rev. Daniel Wilkins was chosen moderator, and Joseph 
Emerson, at whose house"^ they assembled, was chosen 
scribe. The object which brought them together was be- 
coming their sacred calling. Engaged as pastors in laying 
the foundations for future generations, they wisely sought 
to strengthen and encourage each other in the great work 
of the ministry. At this period it is difficult to delineate 
the characters of the men who gathered in the parsonage 
at Pepperell. They were all men of regular education ; 
most of them in early manhood, and no one fully past the 
maturity of his intellectual powers. Three or four of the 
number were men of scholarly habits, though leaving 
few memorials of their studies. All were earnestly de- 
voted to the duties of the ministry, as the purpose of 
their meeting clearly indicates. The records of their 
successive meetings are memorably sententious and brief. 
The minutes of a discussion, which occupied both parts 
of a day, are recorded in two sentences, while the precise 
object of their conference is often entirely omitted. Could 
they have anticipated the exigencies of this hour, I am 
confident their minutes would have been more definite 
and voluminous. From the scanty materials which are 
furnished by the business-like entries of the scribes, I have 
derived the facts that furnish the outline of my discourse. 
Many of these facts are of interest only as they are inter- 
preted in the light of collateral events, — a work demand- 

* The house is still standing, about twenty-five rods east of the meeting- 
house of the First Society. The study was on the ground floor, appa- 
rently an enlargement of the original dwelling, nine feet by twelve in size. 
The farm of Mr. Emerson is now the site of a thickly settled village. 



16 

ing a more perfect knowledge of the local history of this 
circle of parishes than I possess. The deficiency, which 
has embarrassed me in my preparations for this occasion, 
will not be seriously felt, when you shall have listened to 
the recollections and researches of the fathers and breth- 
ren who will supplement my labors in the exercises of the 
afternoon. 

The first moderator of this group of ministers was the 
senior member, Rev. Daniel Wilkins, a graduate of 
Harvard College in 1736, who, as he said, in assuming the 
pastorate of the town of Amherst, eighteen months before, 
''had spent the flower and prime of his days in the honor- 
able and laborious work of the gospel ministry." Of 
florid complexion, a thick-set, stocky man, whose hands 
were stiflened with toil in the fields, he united a robust 
mind with an unselfish heart. Though distinctly evan- 
gelical in his doctrinal views, he was disinclined to polem- 
ical discussion. He had a library containing the works 
of Owen, Hammond, and others, as aids in his study. 
After many inquiries, I have never been able to recover 
one of his manuscript sermons, or gather any exact in- 
formation of his style of preaching.* The impression of 
his life, as preserved by tradition, was that of an emi- 
nently good man, which is corroborated by the eulogistic 
inscription on his grave-stone. He was not an acting 
member of this body more than six years. Of the occa- 
sion of his withdrawal I shall speak hereafter. 

Of Daniel Emerson, of Hollis, we have more distinct 
notions, derived from sketches furnished by his distin- 
guished grandsons. He was a man of large and active 
intellect. A convert of Whitefield, and partaking largely 
of his spirit, he was uniformly evangelical, and often a 
very eloquent preacher. "His chief excellencies in preach- 
ing were sound doctrine, deep feeling and zeal — at times 
almost overwhelming." His labors were by no means 

*See sketch by Dr. Moore, p. 51. 



17 

confined to the pulpit. He was interested in public 
affairs, serving as chaplain in the army, and accompany- 
ing the troops from this town to Crown Point. An able 
counsellor, he was often called from home to aid feeble 
churches. Interested in the cause of ministerial educa- 
tion, and much blessed with revivals of religion among 
his own people, he animated a large number of young 
men with a desire to become preachers of the gospel. 
Very assiduous in his attendance on the meetings of this 
body, he manifested an energy like that of Baxter, whom 
in person he was said to resemble. From his talents and 
position, the Hollis minister was for many years a leading 
mind in the Association. 

Joseph Emekson, of Pepperell, was a man of well- 
balanced mind and thorough education. " It is evident, 
from the productions of his pen, his good name and the 
happy influence he left behind, him, that he was a staid 
friend of his people, a patriotic citizen, and faithful pastor."* 
He was a decidedly evangelical and spiritual preacher, re- 
markably neat and orderly in his habits, and of great 
service to the Association, in keeping the records and pre- 
paring other writings. Like his older associates, Wilkins 
and Emerson, he was familiar with hardships. ^' Since my 
residing here," he says in a published sermon, ''we have 
had garrisons and soldiers allowed us by the goverment. 
We have been obliged to carry our arms to the hous'e of 
God, when we assembled for worship." He imbued the 
minds of his people wdth the burning sentiments of his 
own fervid patriotism, and taught them to bear patiently 
the burdens incident to the long war w^hich wrought the 
independence of the colonies. Through the earnest per- 
suasions of his brother-in-law, at Hollis, he became a 
friend and an admirer of Whitefield. Emulating the 
zeal which "Whitefield manifested, his Sabbath ministra- 
tions were attended with very uniform success. In the 

* Centennial Discourse of Kev. Mr. Andrews. 
2 



18 

twenty-nine years of his ministry, one hundred and ninety- 
six persons were added to the church. 

Samuel Dix, the second minister of Townsend, was a 
man of slower mould than most of his associates. He is 
described as a preacher of more than average talents. 
His sermons were distinguished by sound doctrine, but 
often lacked animation in the delivery. By his ready 
sympathies and exemplary walk he gained the confidence 
and affection of the people, in whose hearts his fidelity 
left an abiding witness. He suffered severely from some 
bodily infirmities, which he endured with much patience. 
He w^as a regular attendant on the meetings of the Asso- 
ciation till near the close of his life. At his funeral, 
November, 1797, a discourse was preached by Rev. Mr. 
Farrar, in which he is portrayed as a sincere and an up- 
right man, who shone peculiarly in the virtues of meek- 
ness, patience, humility and self-denial — qualities of high 
esteem in the sight of God. 

JosiAH Goodhue, of Dunstable, a native of Hollis, was 
an ardent disciple of Edv/ards, an apt learner under the 
tuition of his revered pastor and kinsman, Mr. Emerson, 
who preached the sermon at his ordination, and always 
sustained to him the relation of a counsellor and friend. 
Without the energy of Emerson, he was a vigorous, high- 
toned preacher. Impatient of whatever hindered the 
progress of the truth, he was early committed in opposi- 
tion to the half-way covenant arrangement. The conflict 
was very bitter in some churches, and at Dunstable was 
the occasion of serious disturbance, which impaired his use- 
fulness and ultimately caused his dismission. He enjoyed 
the confidence of his brethren as a sound and faithful 
divine. After leaving Dunstable he was settled at Putney, 
Yt., where he exercised a very useful ministry, and died, 
leaving a large family.* 

"Among his descendents, two sons were distinguished as physicians. A 
grand-daughter became the wife of the late Dr. Amos Twitchell, of Keene. 



19 

Stephen Farrar, who origiDated in Concord, Mass. (now 
Lincoln), is probably better known to the Association, 
throngh the memoirs of his successors, than any one of his 
contemporaries. He was a son of Dea. Samuel Farrar, 
one of the foremost men of the time. At Cambridsre, 
Farrar was a classmate of Goodhue, though three years 
later in entering the pastoral office. A man of vigorous 
mind, holding the pen of a ready and discriminating 
writer, he was highly esteemed in the ministry, and, like 
his older friend, Emerson of Hollis, made a very deep 
impression on a generation of gifted men, who were 
trained under his preaching.* He was a regular and active 
member of the Association during his whole pastorate. 
His influence at l!^ew-Ipswich and in the adjoining towns 
was widely felt. He was usually spoken of as the ven- 
erable Farrar, and his opinions had great weight in the 
adjustment of controverted points of doctrine and duty. 
He was the youngest of the company who organized this 
body, and he was the latest survivor — the only one who 
entered on this century — retaining the unimpaired vigor 
of his faculties until the day of his death (July 23, 1809). 

Such were the men who filled the pulpits in this vicin- 
ity a hundred years ago. "We shall see how the Associa- 
tion aided and strengthened their hands in the work. 

The circumstances in which they met in 1762 were not 
cheering. The change in the English administration, 
which followed the retirement of Pitt, was attended by 
apprehensions of serious encroachments on the liberties 
of the colonies. The acts of trade already provoked re- 
sistance. Otis, " with a tongue of flame, and the inspira- 
tion of a seer," was demonstrating at Boston that '' all 
arbitrary authority was unconstitutional, and against law." 
His fiery eloquence kindled the minds of his audience, 
who zealously disseminated his prophetic words. The 
alarm was not diminished by the subservience of the 

* History of Xew-Ipswich, passim. 



20 

judges, in granting the obnoxious writs of assistance. 
The leaven of discontent was extending from the sea- 
board into the back settlements, and prudent men antici- 
pated the conflict which they had not power to avert. 

A more serious cause of gloom was at their very doors. 
The year 1761 was marked by a drought of unprecedented 
severity. Provisions had to be brought from abroad to 
prevent starvation in some of the JN'ew-Hampshire towns.* 
Pepperell had suffered severely by a fatal sickness, which 
had recurred annually from 1756 to 1760. Over -^ve hun- 
dred were sick in this period, of whom one hundred and 
three died. The following year opened on an impover- 
ished population. These circumstances gave direction to 
the thoughts of the assembled pastors, as appears by the 
record of the flrst meeting. " Upon consideration of the 
present melancholy aspects of Divine Providence, Voted, 
That at the next meeting the day be kept by us as a day 
of fasting and humiliation, and the congregation where 
we meet be desired to join with us." The next meeting 
was appointed at New-Ipswich, on the first Wednesday in 
June, which was accordingly observed by public religious 
services. Pev. Mr. Goodhue preached in the forenoon, 
from Psalm 119 : 120—" My flesh trembleth for fear of 
thee ; and I am afraid of thy judgments." In the after- 
noon. Rev. J. Emerson preached, from Psalm 72: 6 — a 
text not less appropriate : '' He shall come down like rain 
upon the mown grass, and as showers that water the 
earth." In the autumn of the same year, on application 
of the church at Lyndeborough for assistance on a day of 
fasting and humiliation, which day was to be designated 
by the Association, the following vote was passed : " Voted, 
That if the church of Lyndeborough will set apart the 

*AMr. Clark walked from Amherst to Cliarlestown, Mass., and pur- 
chased a sack of corn, which he brought on his shoulders to Lovewell's 
mill, at Dunstable, to be ground. The distance was fifty miles. (Farmer's 
History of Amherst, p. 90.) 



21 

second Thursday of October next, to humble themselves 
under the frowns of Providence, and to seek direction 
from Heaven, with respect to the re-settlement of the 
Gospel among them, some of us, Deo voleiite, will go up 
and lead in the public services." This duty was subse- 
quently performed by Bro. D. Emerson and Bro. Farrar, 
who " concluded to go up to Lyndeborough and assist the 
people, as proposed at the last meeting." 

Entries of a similar nature often appear in the early 
minutes of this body, showing how, on every occasion of 
general or of local affliction — every occasion of patriotic 
or of pious action — these faithful servants of Christ were 
prepared, at personal sacrifice, to give religious instruc- 
tion and devotional aids to any that desired their services. 
Always ready to recognize the hand of God in the cur- 
rent of ordinary affairs, and to seek his guidance, they 
were happy to conduct others to the sources of strength 
and wisdom. 'No other agency contributed more directly 
than their preaching and public prayers, to prepare the 
minds and hearts of the people for the hardships and sac- 
rifices required by the Revolutionary struggle. 

The drafts made on the towns of Hollis, I^ew-Ipswich 
and Amherst were very severe. According to the returns 
made to the Convention,* Amherst furnished a larger 
number of troops than any other town in the State. Hol- 
lis, at various times during the war, had aboutf two hun- 
dred and fifty men in the army, of whom thirty-one died 
in the service. Kew-Ipswich furnished " a fraction over 
one eightieth of all the men and means raised by this 
State during the Eevolutionary War."{ 

The cheerfulness with which these burdens were sus- 
tained was in consequence of the enlightened patriotism 

•^History of Londonderry, p. 110. 

f History of the old town of Dunstable, p. 232. 

% History of New-Ipswich, p. 103. 




22 

and steadfast faith in God inculcated by their ministers. 
That they were not indifferent to the course of public 
affairs, and thoroughly understood the relation of the col- 
onies to Great Britain, is manifest from their action, June 
4, 1766, which is stated concisely as follows : '^ Conversa- 
tion — After some debate, the following vote passed : See- 
ing it hath pleased God so graciously to appear for this 
land, as to influence our King, with both Houses of Par- 
liament, to repeal a late unconstitutional and oppressive 
act (called the Stamp Act), which greatly threatened the 
subversion of our civil privileges, with which our reli- 
gious are nearly connected. Voted, That, if the rulers of 
our respective provinces should not call upon us to observe 
a day of thanksgiving on this account, we will recom- 
mend it to our several congregations to set apart such a 
day." They had the discernment to see that religious 
liberty could exist only by the maintenance of civil rights, 
and they framed their conduct accordingly. They were 
friends and loyal subjects of His Majesty's government, 
so long as the government adhered to those principles of 
justice and constitutional law which protect the citizen 
against oppression. 'No considerations of personal ease 
could make them swerve from this position. In the pul- 
pit and out, they expressed their opinions in language not 
ambiguous. The people valued their counsels, and prof- 
ited by their intrepid discussions. 

Eev. Mr. Farrar, by the choice of his parish, served as 
a member of the Provincial Congress, and on his retire- 
ment the thanks of the town were unanimously voted him. 
Previous to the year 1775 the Association had been 
enlarged by the addition of Rev. Jona. Livermore, of 
Wilton (1764), Eev. Sewall Goodrich, of Lyndeborough 
y (1768), Eev. Josiah K idder, of Dunstable, JST. H. (1770), 
'^^ and Eev. Samuel Webster, of Temple (1772),— all of them 
men of liberal education, and earnestly devoted to the 
welfare of their respective congregations. In theological 



23 

sentiment they svmpathized with Farrar and the Emer- 
sons, of whom they proved congenial associates. 

At the meeting in May, following the battle between 
the British and Provincial troops, which, as they say, 
" extended from Concord to Charlestown, they conversed 
principally upon the times.'' The war had commenced, 
and they fortified their minds for the hazardous issues by 
fraternal conference and pious supplication. "W^ebster, of 
Temple, with the consent of his people, became a chap- 
lain in the ISTorthern army, where his exposures brought 
on hemorrhage of the lungs, of which he soon after died. 

The usual exercises of the Association, which at first 
consisted of devotional services and the interchange of 
opinions respecting questions of personal duty or of difii- 
culties in their respective parishes, were soon varied by 
applications for advice and assistance from abroad. Breth- 
ren in the ministry from other parts of the State, and 
from adjoining States, sought the counsel of the Associa- 
tion. The advice of the assembled pastors was asked in 
reo:ard to the time and method of oro-anizino* churches in 
the new townships ; concerning the choice of ministers ; 
and especially in the adjustment of important matters of 
church order and discipline. In 1764, Eev. Mr. Powers, 
of ]^orwich, Conn., asked advice about leaving his people. 
In 1772, Eev. Mr. Goss, of Bolton, Mass., " having repre- 
sented the state of afi:airs in the church at Bolton, c^ueried 
whether any member of the Association present would 
admit any of the dissenting brethren of that church to 
their communion ? Everv one ansvv-ered in the nes^ative." 
Appeals were made to them by disaffected church mem- 
bers, seekino- a modification of what thev regarded as 
unjust in the action of the churches, or permission to 
worship in the adjoining towns. The. ground of these 
grievances is seldom stated at length in the minutes. 
''The affair," or '-the difficulty,'"' as they describe it, was 
discussed and advice siven. In a few instances the advice 



24 

was given in writing ; but in a majority of cases the nature 
of the advice is not recorded. If the complaint was not 
revived again, we infer that the advice was satisfactory. 
It was undoubtedly the practice of the ministers, at that 
period, to suspend the determination of unsettled ques- 
tions of order and discipline until they could obtain the 
advice of the Association. This being known among the 
people, gave great weight to the deliberations of the min- 
isters, and made their expressed opinions almost decisive 
with the members of the churches. 

In reading the brief records of their deliberations, one 
is constantly reminded of the cautiousness and delicacy 
which marked the proceedings. Their tender regard for 
the truth and right is manifested in asking farther in- 
formation, in postponing the decision till other parties 
should be heard, in recommending forbearance, and the 
employment of private labor for the adjustment of differ- 
ences. Exalted as they were in the estimation of the 
people, they were careful not to assert any ecclesiastical 
authority over the churches. As a consequence, their 
counsels were accepted as the candid and well-considered 
opinions _of discreet and God-fearing men ; and the 
practical operation of their judgment illustrated the wis- 
dom of their advice. In many cases it saved a resort to 
an ecclesiastical council ; and in no instance of appeal to 
a regular ecclesiastical tribunal do I find that their formal 
opinions were ever reversed. To this fact I attribute the 
peculiar and really anomalous relation which this Asso- 
ciation sustained for many years to the churches within 
its usual limits, as if the associated pastors were the eccle- 
siastical representatives of the churches. Hence, as doc- 
trinal views became the ground of serious differences, 
and churches w^ere divided, and the support of the gospel 
was more difficult, whenever the office of pastor was 
vacated, the church was invited to send a delegate to the 
Association. Illustrations of this course are furnished by 



25 

the history of the church in Lyndeborough. the second 
church in Wilton, and the church in ITew-Ipswich. Dr. 
Rockwood, of Wilton, acted as a member of the Associa- 
tion, at first, on this ground, and the names of others 
who appeared in the same capacity might be mentioned. 
With the progress of years, and the adjustment of those 
legal and ecclesiastical questions which grew out of differ- 
ences of religious belief, this notion of a quasi representa- 
tion of the churches disappears. The Association had 
always invited teachers, and other gentlemen of intelli- 
gence and piety, to attend their meetings and participate 
in their discussions. For many years the courtesy was 
acknowledged by the occasional presence of members of 
the legal and medical professions. Under the head of 
"company," I notice the names of Dinsmore, Emerson, 
Hubbard, Hedge, Searle, Taft, Farrar, Spalding, and other 
distinguished laymen, some of whom continue unto this day. 
Prominent among the subjects of discussion in the 
Association, were questions of doctrine and duty. Of the 
former were frequent topics of divinity, which furnished 
the staple of their substantial preaching. I infer that 
there was a prevailing harmony in doctrinal views, as the 
interchange of opinions is often described as a " profit- 
able," or " important conversation on some points in 
divinity." Most of the pastors favored the new-light doc- 
trines. Four certainly of the six original members were 
in sj^mpathy with Rev. Mr. Whitefield. The questions of 
duty are more distinct. The duty of owning the cove- 
nant, or " explicit covenanting," as they call it, was a 
prolific source of difficulty and debate. Bro. Goodhue's 
soul had no rest, because of the strife on this point at 
Dunstable. It also started other related questions : for 
example, " Could a child be baptized on the faith of the 
grandparents, if the parents were living?" "At what 
age did children cease to be subjects of baptism ?" " Could 
a slave be baptized on the faith of the master?" The 



26 

first of these questions they answered in the negative, 
though they subsequently recognize the suitableness of 
such baptism, when the parents had deceased. The second 
question depended on circumstances which rendered a 
decisive answer impracticable. The third they answered 
affirmatively, showing that, in their judgment, the slave 
participated in the Christian privileges of the household, 
and, consequently, was entitled to religious care and in- 
struction. Other questions, respecting the right and pro- 
priety of aggrieved church members taking the advice 
of ecclesiastical councils ; the propriety of preaching to 
other denominations, and in the parishes of neighboring 
clergymen ; of receiving members of other churches to 
occasional communion, and similar questions, concerning 
which there is now but one opinion. Some of these 
points may seem trivial, but this attention to minute 
matters of church and ministerial etiquette, at the begin- 
ning, is among the causes of the uniform peace and intel- 
ligent fellowship which has so signally favored the churches 
in this section of the State. 

Another subject, of higher importance, is suggested by 
the record of the meeting in October, 1768, which reads : 
" Met at Amherst ; company — Mr. John Wilkins.* Began 
with prayer. Voted, That while Mr. John Wilkins hath 
an eye to the ministry, he be free to meet with the 
Association." In this practical form the subject of minis- 
terial education early engaged the attention of this body. 
Amid the privations of the early settlements the first 
ministers were firm in the conviction that sound learning 
is indispensable as a qualification for the sacred office. 
Daniel Emerson had students of divinity in his family. 
John "Wilkins, just mentioned, after graduation at Harvard 
College, probably studied with his father. In other parts 
of the State, men like the Rev. Isaiah Potter, of Lebanon, 
were anxious to train up suitable candidates for the miu- 

*H. C, 1764. 



27 

istiy. In this praiseworthy endeavor none were more 
successful than Rev. Mr. Emerson, of Hollis. Under his 
ministry and that of his successor, thirty young men be- 
came ministers of the gospeh But urgent as the demands 
of the multiplying settlements might be, the Association 
were uniformly of the opinion that none should be en- 
couraged to preach who had not the two indispensable 
qualifications of learning and piety. Applications for 
licensure were not infrequent, and among them were per- 
sons who were undeniably deficient in these essential 
qualifications. Of one Dr. Young, of Peterborough, in 
1763, who desired to be examined as to his qualifications 
for the gospel ministry, he^ having a notion of being a 
preacheif they say : '' Considering he never hath had a 
liberal education, and some other circumstances, chose to 
have nothing to do with the aftair." The decision of the 
Association, in similar cases, at a later period, proves that 
they maintained a prudent regard to the apostolic injunc- 
tion, "Lay hands suddenly on no man." 

The examination of candidates was a much more formal 
exercise than at present. They aimed at a thorough and 
impartial trial of the student's gifts, and, in certain re- 
spects, the plan was more satisfactory than the existing 
method. In addition to the usual testimonials of scholar- 
ship, they always required a written sermon, which was 
often publicly delivered ; after which, a strict and pro- 
tracted examination, respecting the doctrinal views and 
religious experience of the candidate, was held in private. 
It was only after this trial of their qualifications to preach 
the gospel that an}' were approved and recommended to 
the confidence of the churches. By this prudent over- 
sight they encouraged such men as Elijah Eletcher, John 
Hubbard, Samuel Worcester, David Smith, Fifield Holt, 
the younger Emersons, Benjamin Burge, and others ol 
precious memory, to enter the ministry. 

The interest manifested by the Association in the cause 



28 

of education was not restricted to one department. They 
were among tlie foremost advocates of the common school 
system — the personal friends and patrons of those who 
engaged in teaching the district schools. After the estab- 
lishment of the ^N'ew-Ipswich Academy, the Association 
frequently visited the institution, attending by invitation 
the examinations and exhibitions, and entering on their 
minutes the expression of their gratification with the 
" entertaining exhibitions." 

The interest which the Association cherished for the 
young was not restricted to their intellectual training; 
a deep anxiety was felt for the spiritual welfare of the 
youth of the flocks to whom they ministered. In the 
true spirit of the pastoral office, they anticipated the 
wants of the next generation. 'We accordingly find that, 
amid the distraction and stirs preceding the Kevolution, 
the Association adopted the following measures for the 
special benefit of the young. In a full meeting at Pepperell, 
1773, they say : " The Association, taking into considera- 
tion the very degenerate times we live in, the lamentable 
decay of vital religion in our several charges, and especially 
the great carelessness and unconcernedness of most, and 
and vicious lives of too many of our young people, whereby 
we have the melancholy prospect of an almost entire ex- 
tinction of true religion in the next generation, except the 
Lord should be pleased especially to pour out his Holy 
Spirit, came unanimously into the following agreement : 
viz., To turn their meetiugs, in their next course, into 
days of prayer, with special reference to the rising gener- 
ation : proposing to spend the former part of each day 
in prayer by ourselves, and the latter in public, desiring 
the people of the place where we meet to join with 
us, expecting a sermon particularly^ adapted to young 
people." 

The as^reement thus made was carried into efifect with 
great seriousness. The next meeting was appointed at 



29 

!N'ew -Ipswich, when the morning was devoted to importu- 
nate supplication. ^^Four prayers," say the records, 
*' were made in private ; a portion of sacred writ read 
before the second, third and fourth prayer, by the modera- 
tor." In the afternoon went to the house of God, where, 
the people being assembled, the public services were per- 
formed by the brethren : viz., the first prayer made by 
Eev. Joseph Emerson, a sermon preached by Eev. Daniel 
Emerson, 2d Epistle of John, 4th verse: "I rejoiced 
greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth;" 
the last prayer was made by brother Goodhue. The same 
order was pursued in the services of successive meetings, 
until every parish had been made the subject of their 
prayerful fidelity in seeking the spiritual welfare of the 
young. Of the results of that special labor to arrest the 
attention and secure the conversion of those in the morn- 
ing of life, I find no certain memorials. But these brief 
records of united supplication in private, and of the public 
service following, how they speak to the heart, with touch- 
ing proofs of earnestness and sincerity ! After an inter- 
val of seventy-five years, when the pastors and the congre- 
gations are alike removed from the earth, we read this 
agreement, and the fidelity of its fulfillment, with a quick- 
ened sense of the genuine zeal and pious worth of those 
servants of Christ. 

During the progress of the conflict with Great Britain, 
the meetings of the Association were somewhat irregu- 
lar. The circuit of parishes had been enlarged, and some 
changes had occurred in the membership. The difficulties 
at Dunstable, Massachusetts, had culminated in the dis- 
missal of Goodhue. Eev. Mr. Emerson, of Pepperell, had 
deceased, and Mr. Kidder had been elected scribe. In 
this office he emulated the punctuality and exactness of 
his predecessor, ^eat in his dress, courteous in manners, 
and of slight figure, Mr. Kidder is still remembered by 
the older citizens of the county as a man of generous hos- 



30 

pitality.* In preaching, he suffered some embarrassment 
from an impediment in his speech, of which I infer he 
was always aware, as he uniformly makes record of his 
own public services with the modest prefix, " the scribe 
attem])ted to preach." In 1779, while the war was in pro- 
gress, we find the fathers engaging in a new movement, 
animated by the same devotion which prompted the effort 
in behalf of the young, six years before. '' The Associa- 
tion, taking into consideration the difficulties of the pres- 
ent day — the signs of God's awakened displeasure against 
this sinful land — the necessity of a personal and general 
reformation, that so the present judgments may be averted 
in mercy ; and that such a reformation can be expected 
only from the effusions of the divine spirit ; having, 
also, abundant encouragement from the holy script's to 
seek Him with whom is the residue of the Spirit, this 
greatest of all blessings, have agreed, in the course of our 
future meetings, the ensuing summer, to spend an after- 
noon by joining together in fervent, earnest prayer to the 
Giver of all Good, that he would pour out of his holy Spirit, 
not only upon us and our respective congregations, but 
upon our whole land, and so revive his work among us 
that w^e may be a people formed for himself, to show forth 
his praise." The congregations where they met were 
invited to join with the Association in this service. The 
sermons, as we may infer from the texts which are recorded, 
were uniformly in harmony with the foregoing resolution. 
The following year, by vote of the Association, sermons 
on other topics were introduced, in which the education 
of children had a prominent place. The specific results 
of this timely and prayerful labor can not now be traced. 
The attention of the churches was called anew to spirit- 
ual things, and the current of skepticism and impiety 
which attended the Eevolution was evidently checked. 

=^His residence being the half-way house between Amherst, the county 
seat, and Chelnnsford, Mass., many of our citizens shared his cordial wel- 
come to the fireside and table. 



31 

The 3^ear 1782 witnessed a memorable reformation in 
Hollis. Large accessions were also made to the church in 
"Wilton. The good seed of the "Word, so diligently sown 
in these years of hardship and civil commotion, was ger- 
minating in many congregations. Under the quickening 
influences of the Holy Spirit, in 1785 and 1786, the 
fruit of former labors began to manifest itself in rich 
harvests. To that season the churches of New-England 
were indebted for the conversion of Thomas and Samuel 
Worcester. A sister of theirs, residing at Hollis, wrote 
that " the reformation at first was small, but it has been 
gradually increasing, until, I believe, there are in this 
town more than a hundred people, chiefly young people, 
under the convicting influence of the Holy Spirit. Me- 
thinks you are anxious to know whether any of your dear 
friends have been convinced of their lost estate in this 
day of grace and mercy. Blessed be God, I have the 
satisfaction to inform you that our dear brothers, Thomas 
and Samuel, have both met with a saving change." The 
prayers of former years were now answered in the copi- 
ous effusion of spiritual influence throughout the bounds 
of the Association. At New-Ipswich the triumphs of 
Divine grace were of unprecedented solemnity and power. 
The adjoining towns, both in ISTew-Hampshire and Massa- 
chusetts, shared in this precious refreshing. The churches 
in Temple, Wilton, Ashby and Eindge, were enlarged and 
strengthened. The young people of Mason attended the 
meetings in New-Ipswich in large numbers, and many 
were converted. At their urgent request, several were 
permitted to unite with Mr. Farrar's church, on condition 
that they should be transferred to the church in Mason 
whenever its broken and disturbed affairs should be set- 
tled. The salutary influence of this spiritual awakening 
was felt for years in those favored towns. The gates of 
Zion became a praise, and the old foundations were builded 
anew. The strife and alienations by which the church in 



32 

Mason was almost consumed, were healed. Great exer- 
tions were made to secure a settled minister, which hap- 
pily resulted in securing the services of Rev. Ebenezer 
Hill, who proved an excellent preacher and an eminently 
efficient and constant member of this Association. 

The closing years of the eighteenth century were marked 
by declining interest in the duties of religion, in which 
most of the churches sympathized. The attention of the 
people had been much occupied with the affairs of the 
State — the settlement and inauguration of the federal gov- 
ernment under the existing Constitution. Party feeling 
was engendered by the exciting questions of public policy, 
and churches and pastors became involved in the general 
agitation. Dix and Emerson were now advanced in years, 
Goodrich disabled by infirmities, Eiske and Kidder less 
active. The attendance on the meetings of the Associa- 
tion became irregular ; the interest, consequently, dimin- 
ished, and in the autumn of 1797 the members adjourned 
without appointing another meeting. 

After an interval of six years, " during which period 
three of our number," says the record, "Revs. Emerson, 
Dix and Fiske, were called off from their labors, and, as 
we trust, to the rewards of faithful servants and to a glori- 
ous association," by the efforts of Rev. Mr. Livermorethe 
meetings were revived. A meeting was called at Temple, 
in September, 1803, at which Livermore, Miles and Good- 
rich were present. A second appointment secured a full 
attendance of all the members, on the 9th of ^N'ovember, 
at Wilton. At this time Rev. Mr. Kidder resigned his 
office, and Rev. Mr. Hill was chosen scribe. In the spring 
of the following year the Association adopted more defi- 
nite rules regulating attendance, and prescribing an order 
of exercises. By this arrangement the meeting was 
opened with prayer, then followed a co7icio ad clerum, 
when the members had liberty to ask advice and propose 



33 

questions for discussion. Essa3^s on theological subjects 
were also required, and provision made for a religious 
service, including a sermon, in public. From this date 
the meetings of the Association were maintained with a 
lively interest and a fair measure of success. Pains were 
taken to enlist new members, and as other associations 
had come into existence, and the General Convention of 
Congregational Ministers had issued a proposal for a gen- 
eral association of ministers, after the plan of that which 
had been in use in Connecticut, they found it desirable to 
have a name. Accordingly, in July, 1808, the following 
vote was passed : " Whereas this Association hath not 
heretofore been known by any distinguishing name. 
Voted, that we assume and be known hereafter by the 
name of the Hollis Association." They do not assign the 
reasons for their choice, but the origin of the body, the 
prominent and long-continued activity of Mr. Emerson, 
and the geographical center of its early operations, all 
favored this appellation. 

And here I may pause to remark that the Hollis Asso- 
ciation is not, as some have supposed, an offshoot or the 
successor of the Amherst Association. Although the sus- 
pension of the meetings from 1797 to 1803, during which 
time the Amherst Association was in vigorous condition, 
will explain the origin of this opinion, to which the sub- 
sequent adoption of the present name lent farther plausi- 
bility. In this connection, I may also add what I have 
been able to gather respecting the character and his- 
tory of the Amherst Association, which has for twenty- 
five years, or more, been extinct. ISTeither the name of 
any scribe, nor any trace of its records, has come to my 
knowledge. The first movement in favor of such an or- 
ganization is suggested by a letter, laid before this body, 
at New-Ipswich, in November, 1768, from Rev. Daniel 
Wilkins and Eev. Joseph Kidder, desiring that Mr. Kidder 
might be admitted as a member, and the Hollis Association 



34 

divided so far as to meet altogether but once a year. The 
answer to this letter is recorded, in which the Association 
defer acting on the proposal until the next meeting, that 
is, until May, 1769. The subject, however, was not taken 
into consideration again, so far as appears. The name of 
Mr. Wilkins is not mentioned afterward as a member, 
and the Association ceased to meet at his house. But 
Mr. Kidder, as you have already learned, joined the next 
year, and continued a member of this body until the 
time of his death. After the settlement of Rev. Dr. 
Burnap, at Merrimack, and the formation of churches in 
Milford and the west parish of Amherst, I deem it proba- 
ble that a minister's association was organized. This was 
subsequent to the decease of Rev. Mr. "Wilkins. In 1815, 
Barnard, of Amherst, Burnap, Bruce, Dunbar, of Peterbo- 
rough, Moore, of Milford, Beede, of Wilton, and Sperry, 
of Dunstable, are mentioned* as members. Some of these 
gentlemen had a reputation for sound scholarship. The 
social element was fostered by their fraternal gatherings, 
and good cheer, in those days, approached the borders of 
conviviality. "With the progress of years, a part of the 
Association favored the liberal sentiments, which were en- 
grafted on the Arminian type of theology. For this 
reason the successor of Rev. Mr. Bruce chose to join the 
Union Association, as did the colleague-pastor of the Rev. 
Mr. Barnard. The meetings of the Amherst Association 
were at length discontinued, and the only surviving mem- 
ber of that body is with us to-day — an octogenarian, who 
can speak for himself, giving his personal recollections of 
the last century, after acting a long and important part in 
the transactions of this.f 

In May, 1809, the proposition of the ]N"ew-IIampshire 
Convention, to form a general association, was again 

* Kev. H. Moore, d. d. 

f Eev. Dr. Moore, at the age of eighty -four, was present, and took part 
in the exercises of the anniversary. 



35 

brought lip for consideration. After some discussion, the 
ministers voted, "As there is not a majority of the Asso- 
ciation present, we do not feel ourselves in a capacity to 
act as a body, yet wish respectfully to inform the conven- 
tion that the matter is still under consideration, and, we 
trust, will have due consideration." In the meantime, 
they requested Eevs. Eli Smith and Ebenezer Hill to at- 
tend at the time and place of the proposed conference, 
and bring back what farther information they could gain 
of the contemplated organization. From another source, 
I learn that Rev. Mr. Hill was present in Dr. McFarland's 
study, at Concord, June 8, 1809, at the organization of 
the General Association of iSTew-Hampshire. In Septem- 
ber of the same year (at Temple), " The question was put, 
Will this Association join the General Association on the 
plan proposed by the convention of Congregational min- 
isters in this State ? Passed in the af&rmative, unani- 
mously. Bro. Eli Smith was appointed delegate to attend 
the next meeting of the General Association, at Exeter."* 

We have now pursued the history of this Association 
of ministers for a period of about fifty years, and reach 
events within the memory of living men. In the mean- 
time, great changes in the civil and social condition of 
the population had been introduced. In most of the 
towns in the county, churches had been organized, and 
comfortable meeting-houses erected. Eoads had been 
opened, and postal communications established. In other 
portions of the State, ministerial associations had been 
formed, sympathizing, in their aims and theological opin- 
ions, with this body. The distinction between Arminian 
and Calvinistic views was creating serious agitation in the 
Christian commonwealth. Sagacious minds already ap- 
prehended the ordeal of conflict which was to divide the 
Congregational churches of i^ew-England. The princi- 

*The congregation here united with the choir in singing the second 
version of the 44th Psalm, from Tate & Brady. 



36 

pies of church order and discipline now prevalent, had 
been thoroughly discussed and generally adopted ; but 
the doctrines of the 'New Testament, the vital truths per- 
taining to Christian hope and godliness, were to be set 
forth and defended anew. To the special preparation 
demanded by this exigency, the new arrangement and 
definite appointments of the Association were highly fa- 
vorable. Well-digested essays were read on the funda- 
mental doctrines of depravity, regeneration, the person 
and work of the Holy Spirit, the divinity of our Lord, 
the Trinity. The evidences of Christian character, the 
nature of saving faith, and other related topics were also 
discussed by the members, with evident advantage to their 
qualifications for preaching the living Gospel. 

In ISTovember, 1812, the pastors in the northern section of 
the county formed the Union Association, a body of able 
men, whose names and labors are held in fresh and grateful 
remembrance. "Whiton, Walker, Chapin, Merrill, and the 
Bradfords, were men of strong minds, sound in the faith, 
and cordially devoted to the work of the ministry. In all 
measures for the promotion of sound morals and pure re- 
ligion, in plans to encourage temperance, the cause of 
ministerial education, and the extension of the Eedeem- 
er's kingdom, there has been a uniform and intelligent 
cooperation by the Union and Hollis Associations.* A 
history of the Hillsborough county conference would fur- 
nish many illustrations of this cooperation, and of its 
happy effects in developing the spirit of missions among 
the members of our churches. 

Let it not be inferred that the meetings of the Rever- 
end Fathers w^ere as dry and monotonous as the narrative 

* For many years, Union was numerically the stronger body. Hollis 
was much reduced after the ministers of the border towns in Massachusetts 
ceased to meet with them. Eev. Thos. Savage, of Bedford, then a mem- 
ber of Union, remembers that application was made to them by Kev. H. 
G. Nott, in person, asking that two churches might be set off from Union 
to Hollis Association, lest the latter become extinct. 



37 

I furnish. These old divines made no record of their wit, 
but no men had ever a keener relish for the sparkle and 
flavor of a pithy saying. They cultivated a vein of genu- 
ine facetiousness, and the partiality for practical jokes, 
which was characteristic of the early settlements, some- 
times elicited an adroit activity quite in contrast with 
their usual gravity. The metaphysical subtleties of the 
exercise and the taste schemes, the sublime bights of the 
Hopkinsian theology, furnished a discipline which sharp- 
ened all the faculties. If tradition may be trusted, the 
ministers delighted in sharp intellectual skirmishing, and 
soothed the irritation of polemic debates with sallies of 
mirthfulness. Thej^ did not decline an encounter with 
the village merchant or lawyer, and, judging from the 
specimen^furuished by the only representative of the 
eighteenth century, Avith whom w^e have been permitted 
to associate, their repartees were memorable. 

Before railroads had an existence, or the daily newspa- 
per reported the doings of the w^orld, conversation was 
cultivated as an art. Professional men gained reputation 
for their stores of anecdotal wisdom. The open fire-place 
favored sociability, and men had time to speak and listen 
for an answer. Hospitality was a practical virtue. Min- 
isters, with their waives, made and received visits. The 
long pastorates favored family intimacies and personal 
friendships. Ordinations, councils, and other ecclesiasti- 
cal meetings, were memorable occasions! — events to be 
talked of, months before they occurred, and to be remem- 
bered and discussed months afterw^ard. In the absence 
of monthly mails from China and bi-weekly arrivals from 
Europe, ministers knew the faces and could tell the names 
of each other's children, and they sometimes exchanged 
letters for other objects beside an exchange. Hence, in ' 
the ancient records, we discover allusions to local inci- 
dents and events, which were matters of deep interest in 
these parishes and to their pastors, e. g. : " At Dunstable," 



38 

(July 5, 1769) "By invitation," the Association ''went and 
dined at Mr. Joseph Taylor's, and attended his daughter's 
wedding." " The meeting appointed to be at Dunstable, 
on the first Wednesday of October, 1775, fell through, by 
reason of the death of Bro. J. Emerson, who departed 
this life on the Lord's day evening preceding, and wdiose 
remains were interred on the Thursday following." Tra- 
dition has it that the ministers of the vicinity were in 
attendance, and that Rev. D. Emerson preached a funeral 
sermon . At I^ew-Ipswich the Association found time to at- 
tend a public exhibition of the Middlesex Musical Society, 
and listen to an oration on music by Mr. PeabodJ^ (1808). 

The most memorable example of the social feeling ex- 
isting in this body, is furnished by the record of May 7, 
1794, which, having a local as well as general interest, I 
transcribe in full : 

"Hollis — Present, Rev. Messrs. Emerson, Dix, Kidder, 
Fiske, Bullard and Hill. Company — Rev. Mr. Barnard 
and lady. Madam Emerson of Pepperell, Madam Bullard 
and daughter, Mr. Smith, — father to Rev. Mr. Smith, of 
Hollis. Rev. Mr. Dix, moderator. 

" P. M, Attended the marriage of Rev. Mr. Smith in 
the meeting-house. The order of the day was as fol- 
loweth : viz., 

*' First. Ps. 133, short metre, sung. 

" Second. Prayer by the Moderator. 

" Third. The Rev. Mr. Smith and Miss Amy Emerson 
were joined together in holy matrimony, by the Rev. Mr. 
Emerson. 

" Fourth. The 128th pslam sung. 

" Fifth. A very edifj'ing discourse delivered by the 
^Rev. Mr. Bullard, from 1 Cor. ix. 5.* 

" Sixth. Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Barnard. 

" Seventli. The Marriage Hymn sung, and 

" Eighth. The blessing pronounced by Rev. Mr. Bul- 

* "Have we not power to lead about a sister or a wife as well as other 
apostles, and as tlie brethren of the Lord and Cephas ? " 



39 

lard. Then, at the invitation of Deacon Emerson, went 
with the bridegroom and bride to his house, where we 
w^ere handsomely entertained." 

"Rev. Eli Smith, at his own request," he now had the 
apostolic qualifications of a bishop, " was voted a member 
of the Association." In June of the same year (1794), the 
members of the Association were all present at the meet- 
ing of the General Convention in Amherst, when the Rev. 
Amos Wood, of Weare, preached the election sermon.* 

Sept. 7, 1796, (by invitation), " The Rev. Messrs. Em- 
erson, Farrar, Dix, Livermore, Kidder, Chaplin, Fiske, 
Miles, Hill and Abbot, Esquire Emerson, and Mr. Wil- 
liams, preceptor of Groton Academy, paid the Rev. Mr. 
Bullard a friendly visit, and were received and enter- 
tained in the most friendly and generous manner by him 
and his lady." 

The relations of Rev. Mr. Bullard f to the Association 

* This service was usually performed by some person appointed b}' the 
civil authorities the year before. The ministers had " a good time" in 
social intercourse. On Thursday they shared in the festivities of election 
day, and then, on horseback, traveled homev\^ard. " Sic transit gloria cler- 
icorutn," adds my informant. A sermon was also preached before the Con- 
vention on "Wednesday afternoon preceding the election. 

•f Rev. John Bullard, the son of John Bullard, was born in Medway, 
Ms., in 1756. He united with the first church in Medway, was graduated 
at Harvard College, in the year 1776, and ordained in Pepperell, October 18, 
1779. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. Amos Adams, of Rox- 
bury, Ms., by whom he had four sons and four daughters. He died Sep- 
tember 18, 1821, aged 65. His widow died January 29, 1827, aged 73. 
Mr. B. was a man of superior powers in the ministry, evangelical in sen- 
timent, and remarkable for the dignity and freedom with which he moved 
among his people. A logical and sententious writer, he was a point- 
blank and brief speaker for his time. A federal in his politics, he spoke 
his mind freely on suitable occasions, urging political duties upon his peo- 
ple, who were almost unanimousl}^ Republicans. By his quiet sagacity 
and firmness he disarmed personal animosity and gained a reputation for 
carrying bis points. An old resident of the town, having removed "to 
another State, asked of a traveler and former neighbor the news from 
Pepperell. "Nothing," was the reply, "but two new Deacons." Of all 
the members of the church only two were " Feds.," and they were the tiuo 
Deacons. — From Notes of Rev. E. P. Smith. 



40 

were peculiar. After his settlement at Pepperell, — being 
a man of bright parts, elegant manners, and eminently 
companionable — he was invited to join this body. He fre- 
quently attended the meetings and took part in the exer- 
cises ; but, belonging to an association in Massachusetts, 
I do not learn that he became a regular member of this. 
It is manifest that his presence was always welcome, and 
I infer that the entertainment, above mentioned, at his 
house, was a courteous reciprocation of the favor he found 
in !N'ew-Hamp shire. 

Eeturning to the later history of the Association, we 
find, under the existing order of exercises, a greater 
variety of parts, more breadth of intellectual culture, and 
a better interpretation of the original Script's. These 
acknowledged benefits have been gained somewhat at 
at the expense of the devotional services. The time al- 
lotted to prayer and praise has been abridged ; there is 
less of united, fervent supplication, and less of pure fel- 
lowship and fraternal communion. From private letters 
and other sources, I learn that the early members of this 
body were accustomed to inquire of each other's spiritual 
state, employing persuasions and rebukes in their endeav- 
ors to correct and prove one another with long'' suffering 
and faithfulness. From long intimacies and the trial of 
each other's virtues, their hearts were knit together in 
love, and their profiting was apparent to all. The hasty 
settlements and needless changes of the present day, do 
not admit the frequent growth of such confidences ; yet 
the aims and hopes of the founders of this body have not 
been abandoned. The Association still retains its first 
love for sound doctrine, religious experience and thorough 
ministerial education. A knowledge of the Greek and 
Latin tongues, a regular course of Theological study and 
personal experience of the truths of the Gospel, which 
they propose to preach, have been uniformly required of 
all candidates for the sacred office. They have never en- 



41 

couraged unlearned or unstable men to enter the minis- 
try. In 1820 their sentiments were expressed as fol- 
lows : 

" Resolved, Unanimously, by the HoUis Association, that 
the N". H. H. M. Society ought to employ none as mis- 
sionaries but men of commanding talents and influence, 
and that our delegate to the General Association be in- 
structed to present a copy of the above resolve to the 
trustees of said Society." 

The Association has also maintained a lively interest in 
the cause of education and public morals. The action 
of the General Association on the subject of Temperance, 
in 1813, found a prompt response in the passage of a reso- 
lution to discontinue the use of ardent spirits at the meet- 
ings of the Association, and to discourage the practice of 
drinking it in company and at funerals. 

During the disturbances attending the war of 1812-15, 
they resolved to second the movement of the Monadnock 
Association, in behalf of the Sabbath, by calling a conven- 
tion of the churches to devise methods for the better in- 
forcement of the Sabbath laws. They also addressed a 
memorial to the General Association, urging on the at- 
tention of that body the importance of securing ''the 
general adoption of a system of religious instruction for 
the young." ^ The Tract and Bible Society early secured 
the attention of these ministers, and through them the 
speedy cooperation of the churches. The monthly prayer- 
meeting, which they had maintained in connection with 
their successive meetings for many years, was discontin- 
ued only in compliance with a recommendation that the 
first Monday of each month be observed in every congre- 
gation as a concert of prayer. The introduction of the 
monthly concert was not allowed to hinder the subsequent 

* In 1817, they expressed their approbation of Sabbath-schools, and 
advised that the introduction of such schools, for the study of the Bible 
and the catechism, be attended with special prayer for the presence of the 
Holy Spirit. 



42 

appointment of special seasons of united and fervent prayer, 
for the outpouring of the holy spirit. With this manifes- 
tation of Evangelical zeal, the Association has adhered 
v\^ith great consistency, to the same views of Christian 
duty and doctrines wdiich were cherished at the begin- 
ning. 

In 1810, an abridgement of the Assembly's Shorter 
Catechism, by Eev. Mr. Allen, of Chelmsford, was laid 
before this body. "After perusing it, the question was 
put, ' Do we approve of such mutilations of this compen- 
dium of the Christian faith, or any of the kind ? ' An- 
swered by all present, we do not approve ! " Without 
abridging the right of private judgment, or discouraging 
a free discussion of any doctrinal opinion, this association 
has steadily maintained the essential doctrines of the an- 
cient faith, — building on the tried foundations which 
were laid by prophets and apostles. In later years, when 
their numbers were very much reduced, they were re- 
peatedly invited to unite with the Amherst Association. 
The subject is often mentioned as the topic of conversa- 
tion in the minutes ; but the members chose to strengthen 
themselves by an alliance with such men as Howe, of Pep- 
perell. Palmer, of Townsend, and Eaton, of Eitchburg. 
The most influential reason for this preference was, doubt- 
less, furnished by their attachment to the ancient faith 
from which some members of the Amherst Association 
had apparently departed. It is w^ell known that the latter 
association embraced some influential members, who 
adopted the liberal sentiments which emanated from 
Cambridge. As years went on, the process of disinte- 
gration enfeebled that organization ; and as the churches 
did not abandon the form of sound words, with the intro- 
duction of new ministers having different affinities, that 
body ceased to exist. 

To pursue the liistory of the HoUis Association much 
farther w^ould require me to speak of the character. and 



43 

labors of men j-et living.* The Association Avas never 
large in numbers, seldom embracing more than sixteen 
churches Avithin its limits, and often restricted to one half 
of that number. If I were to enter on any encomiums of 
the usefulness of this organization, I should point to the 
congregations and churches whose pastors, in successive 
generations, have sought to strengthen and aid each other 
by their membership here. 

Among the churches of New-Hampshire, those of Hills- 
borough county have always been held in very high 
esteem, for their intelligent piety and liberal benefactions. 

From the imperfect data at my command, I reach the 
conclusion that more than one third of the total contribu- 
tions of the State, in our religious connection, have been 
given by the congregations of this countj^ ;t in some years 
the sums given have equaled one half, while an accurate 
census of the total membership makes our members less 
than one third. Of the churches in this county, the oldest 
represented in this body have not yet been excelled by 
their younger and more vigorous sisters. I need not 
speak of the men whom these churches have nurtured 
and given to the cause of Christ and the country. What 

*The whole number of members belonging to tlie Association from its 
origin is 82, of whom, including Dr. Kockwood, a layman, 32 have de- 
ceased. The Association is now composed of ordained ministers only, 
and embraces 21 members, of whom 13 are pastors ; the remainder without 
charge within our limits. The names of 29 persons, who have been exam- 
ined and approved by the Association as candidates for the ministry, are 
found on the records. All of the number, so far as known, have main- 
tained an unblemished character, and one only has avowedly changed his 
religions sentiments. The Association has had seven scribes, whose names 
and terms of service are subjoined : 

Joseph Emerson, 1762 to 1772 ; Joseph Kidder, 1772 to 1803 ; Ebene- 
zer Hill, 1803 to 1827; Charles "Walker, 1827 to 1836; David Perry, 
1836 to 1842 ; Daniel Goodwin, 1842 to 1859 ; Theophilus P. Sawin, 1859 to 

f According to the report of Dea. J. A. Wheat, made at Wilton, June, 
1862. the sum total of the contributions in this county, including legacies, 
reported by him for the last twelve years, is $128,828.81. 



44 

a company of gifted and laborious ministers * have been 
reared in these hill towns. Hollis and ]^ew-Ipswich 
and Amherst and Wilton have a reputation, both with- 
in and without the State, for the superior talents of the 
men who have emigrated from the soil, carrying with 
them the manly virtues and scriptural faith here incul- 
cated; while from Rindge, Mason andLyndeborough, have 
risen characters of distinguished worth in the ministry 
and in other callings. But why allude to the character 
and usefulness of the churches and the population which 
have multiplied under these religious institutions ? I 
answer, in a word, because of all the formative and mold- 
ing agencies which have given character and strength to 
the inhabitants of these towns, none has been so constant 
and effective as that of the ministry. It has been scorn- 
fully said of some of these towns, " Nothing can be done 
there without the minister." Of a truth, we may ask 
what has been done without the minister ? What work 
of charity, of education, of patriotism or piety, has been 
achieved without the aids of the ministry? What reform 
has been commenced and successfully carried on without 
their approbation ? The friends of the young, the patrons 
of learning, the guides and counselors of the servants of 
Christ, the advocates of benevolence and evangelical mo- 
rality, the ministry are entitled to high commendation for 
the substantial worth of these towns and the virtues of 
the population. 

The highest use and principal benefits of the Associa- 
tion are to be found in the encouragement and improvement 

*At this date, Hollis has furnished over fifty graduates, of whom more 
than two thirds have entered the ministry. New-Ipswich has fifty-one 
graduates, of whom one half have entered the ministry. Mason has thir- 
teen graduates, of whom nine were ministers. Lyndeborough has thirteen 
ministers, of whom nine are graduates, beside nine physicians, one lawyer, 
and six professional teachers. Amherst has thirty-one graduates, of whom 
five studied for the ministry. Wilton has thirty-five, of whom thirteen stud- 
ied for the ministry. These towns now have eight students in college. The 
total population, in 1850, 8,538. 



45 

of the ministry. The objects proposed at the organization 
of this body have been successfully prosecuted. Every 
regular attendant has been made to rejoice in the experi- 
ence of the benefits. Amid the exhausting labors and 
depressing cares of parochial duties, how invigorating the 
freedom and fellowship of these fraternal gatherings ! As 
a means of intellectual culture, the essays and discussions 
here furnished have enlarged our knowledge and stimu- 
lated our minds. In the conflict of opinions truth has 
been elicited, by which our views of Christian doctrine 
have been cleared and perfected. We have^ a better un- 
derstanding of the Scriptures, and more just perceptions 
of duty, because of the investigations required by these 
appointments. Recognizing no restraints but those of 
Christian courtesy, every member has felt at liberty to 
exercise his gifts and propound his sentiments, subject 
only to the searching and sifting of a vigorous criticism. 
By the interchange of thoughts thus aw^akened, crude 
notions and careless statements have been sharply dealt 
with, and false pretensions extinguished, while sound 
speech and exact scholarship have been heartily com- 
mended. Separated as most clergymen are from the 
friction and collisions that occur among men of busi- 
ness, they often contract a faulty mannerism, for which 
the frank debate and open criticism of the Association 
afford a healthy antidote. Here the partialities of a 
biased judgment are corrected, conceits and carelessness 
are rebuked, and the pride of solitary acquisition brought 
low. In the knowledge of each other's faults and excel- 
lencies, there are, also, multiplied helps and suggestions, 
prompting to diligence and enterprise in the pastoral work. 
'New themes of study and new modes of usefulness are 
presented, while the whole field of effort — the great duty 
and dignity of preaching the gospel — are brought into 
quickened attention. In conference with Christian breth- 
ren on the preparation of sermons and the fulfillment of 



46 

the work of the ministry, we drop the sense of weariness 
and gird our loins to fresli exertions. How cheering the 
sympathy and sustaining thefriendships which are secured 
in this fellowship I 

Having talked together of the things that deeply con- 
cern us and the souls committed to our charge ; having 
bowed the knee in company before the God and Father 
of our Lord Jesus Christ, we have returned home more 
hopeful and earnest. It is an immense relief to a serious 
and studious man to spend a day where the play of his 
fancy will npt be misinterpreted ; where his thoughts may 
find a free expression, without the liabilit}' of perversion 
or ill-will. Xext to the confidences of his own fireside, I 
set the freedom of the minister's meeting as the social 
invigorator of the pastor's life. In other companies he 
must exercise discretion, and avoid what might create 
offense ; but here, " As ointment and perfume doth re- 
joice the heart, so doth the sweetness of a man's friend 
by hearty counsel." And then, who shall sum up the 
benefits, indirect as well as didactic, which are furnished 
by the cautions and instructions, the lessons of wisdom 
and experience which are opened in these exercises. How 
many hints, and helps, and germinant thoughts are thrown 
out for the common use in these fraternal interviews — 
facts valuable in economic and ecclesiastical applications. 

But why linger in description of the entertainments 
which are provided for his servants by the Lord of the 
Highway ? They are of acknowledged use in promoting 
Christian zeal, fidelity and hopefulness. They contribute 
to what is the leading object of our communion — strength 
in the ministry. 

In the history of this Association we have known sea- 
sons of great tenderness and solemnity — hours in which 
we have talked together of what Christ hath done for us, 
and of what we have seen and felt of the presence and 
power of the Holy Ghost among th'e people to whom we 



47 

minister. We have found it good to unite in supplica- 
tions before the throne of grace, to plead the promises of 
God, who keepeth covenant and mercies for his chosen. 
In these devotions our hearts have been enlarged, our 
spiritual affections quickened, and our consecration puri- 
fied. It has also been profitable, by way of example and 
reproof, to hear those preach who have lightened our la- 
bors by an exchange of pulpits. It is good for a minister 
to take his place in a pew ; to sit with the congregation 
and listen to the ambassador of Christ ; to give heed to 
the warnings and instructions whereby sinners are awak- 
ened and saved. It is good for him to hear the word of 
God, not as a minister, but as a man ; not as a critic, but 
as one who is to be judged ; not as a spectator, but as one 
who huuo^ers for the bread of life. AVaitino- in this atti- 
tude, we have been admonished and fed ; we have been 
bumbled and reproved. 

Among the regrets which we experience in recalling 
the former days and ancient practices, none, I think, is so 
painful as that occasioned by the obvious neglect into 
which the public services have fallen. I will not now 
inquire into the causes of the fact which is so undeniable : 
our churches are not interested in the exercises. Have 
we given our congregations the idea that the public meet- 
ing is only an intellectual discipline ? Let that impres- 
sion be corrected, or the service abandoned ! Let us re- 
store the ancient union of Christian culture and devotion, 
which made the presence of our association a welcome 
privilege to every congregation, or let our gathering to- 
gether be as private as possible. 

Christian brethren, we stand to-day at an interesting 
point in the history of our country — amid the stir of 
great events, which make tbe pursuits of a peaceful pas- 
torate seem tame and insignificant. Let the lesson of 
this hour correct that impression. We occupy a sacred 
position in a long succession of godly and self-denying 



48 

men. As the servants of Christ, they were faithful to the 
churches and the cause of truth, and how large the re- 
wards ! They labored amid hardships and perplexities, 
and we have entered into their labors. Let us gratefully 
acknowledge the good hand of the Lord in our more 
favored condition, while we seek to emulate their single- 
ness of heart, their prayerfulness and fidelity. As we 
seek to revive the memories of their worth and gather 
wisdom from their pious examples, let us renew our con- 
secration to Him who hath conferred on us this grace that 
we should preach the gospel. Let us keep in mind the 
end of our course and the sacred objects of our calling. 
The most useful ministry leaves but few earthly memo- 
rials. Two or three generations at the farthest recognize 
its power and acknowledge the benefit; — but that which 
passes from the minds of men has a record on high. The 
name and labors of the humblest pastor who feeds a flock 
of God, " not by constraint but willingly, not for filthy 
lucre but of a ready mind," are very precious in the judg- 
ment of heaven. His preaching, his example, his prayers, 
are all remembered ; " and when the chief shepherd shall 
appear, he shall receive a crown of life that fadeth not 
away." With this assurance, let us cheerfully accept labor 
and trials. Let us endure afilictions, taking heed to the 
ministry which we have received of the Lord, that we ful- 
fill it. 

O that each, in the day of his coming, may say, 

" I have fought my way through ; 

I have finished the work thou didst give me to do ;" 
that each from his Lord may receive the glad word, 

•* Well and faithfully done ! 

Enter into my joy and sit down on my throne." 



SKETCHES AND OTHER MEMORIALS 

OF 

MEMBERS WHO DECEASED PREVIOUS TO 1810. 

BY REV. H. MOORE, D. D., OF MILFORD. 



May 5, 1762. This was the birth-day and year of the Hollis 
Association. I have been appointed by this body to say some- 
thing on this centennial anniversary. The reason given for 
this appointment was, that I was the oldest man in the Asso- 
ciation — as if old age added to the clearness of mental vision, 
or would aid one in finding way-marks leading through the 
obscurity of the past to a given object in a far remote period. 
The 7'eason given would reasonably have exempted me from 
the task ; but, as I could not, single-handed, resist their supe- 
rior power, I passively submitted to their requisition. As I 
had no foothold in this world at this early period of their ex- 
istence, and as the records of this associated clerical body are 
very limited and deficient, I can give but a very brief and 
imperfect history of the members of this Association from 
1762 to 1810 — the period allotted to me for historical pre- 
sentation. 

The history of individuals and of associated bodies, whether 
large or small, conveys to their successors interesting and use- 
ful information, which they would not otherwise obtain. We 
love to run back on the line of the past, a hundred years or 
more -, learn who lived then, and where ; learn the state ol 
civilization -, the attainments they had then made in science 
and art ; and what was then the general character of a nation 
or of any part of it. We thus learn the elements of human 
nature by their development ; and, having acquired or inher- 
ited a capital of knowledge from historic facts, we have 
greater means for advancement than our predecessors pos- 
4 



50 

sessed. On this principle we may run back a hundred years ; 
learn what stuff the Hollis Association was then made of; 
what changes and improvements they have made since that 
time ; and guess at the appearance they themselves will pre- 
sent to their succeeding brethren in 1962. Should some indi- 
vidual, who has now no thoughts of being born till the year 
1900, become, at length, a member of the Hollis Association, 
and at their next centennial anniversary be called upon to 
give an historic view of their continuance, changes and pro- 
gress, he would probably feel in the comparison, as we do, a 
good degree of self-complacency that he was blessed with the 
privilege of living in the world one century later than our- 
selves. I now give some brief sketches of those members 
who deceased before 1810 : 

Eev. Daniel Wilktns was the first minister ordained in the 
town of Amherst. His ordination took place September 23, 
1741. He was from Middleton, Mass. In the history of Am- 
herst I find the following account of him : 

^^ He received his education at Harvard College, where he 
graduated in 1736. He was considered a man of respectable 
talents, and contributed greatly to the prosperity of the town." 
On account of the low pecuniary condition of the town at 
that early period of its existence, " He was sometimes pressed 
into services incompatible with his sacred profession. He 
assisted in subduing the wilderness while he administered to 
the spiritual wants of his parishioners. The labors of agricul- 
ture he was sometimes necessitated to perform." 

A brief history of this venerable divine may be found in- 
scribed on his tomb-stone, in the old buryiug-ground, in Am- 
herst. It is as follows : 

" Ecce addisce vivere." 

" Erected 

by the town of Amherst 

to the memory of 

Eey. DANIEL WILKINS; 

Who departed this life Feb. 11th, 1783, in the 73d year of his age, 

and 42d of his Ministry." 



51 

"He was a gentleman of good natural and acquired abilities. He re- 
ceived the honors of Harvard University, at Cambridge, in 1736, and was 
separated to the work of the ministry in 1741 ; at which time his church 
consisted only of five male members, and his charge of fourteen families. 
As a minister, he was laborious. His public discourses were liberal and 
sentimental, pathetic, solemn and ^persuasive. He was endowed with a 
venerable presence and commanding voice, and an emphatic delivery. 
He had a tender feeling for his charge, and was a partner with them in 
all their joys and sorrows. His conversation with them was enlighten- 
ing, edifying and comforting. He was an example of patience and 
meekness, and always endeavored to promote peace. His natural tem- 
perament was remarkably sweet and pleasant. He had a high relish for 
the refined pleasures of friendship. His behavior was not ceremonious, 
but grave, yet sprightly and agreeable. In a word, he was a devoted min- 
ister and faithful Christian, a good companion, a tender husband, and an 
indulgent parent." 

" The sweet remembrance of the just 
Will flourish when he sleeps in dust." 

His character wore well through a long life, and it now 
appears the same on the page of history — a worthy example 
for his successors in the ministry for a hundred years to come. 

Eev. Stephen Farrar was the first minister ordained in 
New-Ij)swich. The place was not, at the time of his ordina- 
tion, incorporated as a town, nor was a church organized there 
till the time of his ordination ; and he gave character, or, 
rather, he impressed his own character upon both. A minis- 
ter has influence in his place, negatiye or positive, and he 
makes and leaves his mark. Would you know the lineaments 
and the expression of the character of a minister and pastor ? 
then look his church and society fall in the face, and you will 
get his photograph, with a pretty good degree of exactness, 
by reflection. 

It is found on record that, " In the winter of 1758-9, Mr. 
Stephen Farrar, of Lincoln, Mass., a graduate of Harvard 
College, a youth of but twenty years the eighth day of the 
preceding September, was hired to preach. * * * It is worthy 
of notice and remembrance that he entered Harvard College 



52 

at the early age of thirteen, and consequently graduated when 
but seventeen. At the age of eighteen he began to preach- 
There were youths at that day who had minds, and energy, 
and action, and success. Necessity produced effort, and effort 
produced development, =^ * * After a long probation in New- 
Ipswich, Mr. Farrar was, in November following, chosen to be 
their minister. The call was accepted the thirtieth of July 
following, and the ordination took place October 22." 

Here is an instance of a candidate for the ministry being 
on trial three fourths of a year. Both parties had sufficient 
time to become acquainted with each other, and to learn their 
mutual adaptation. The consequence was, his pastorate con- 
tinued, and harmoniously, about one half of a century. 

History gives this divine a high character. In physical 
stature he was a little above medium size. " Intellectually, 
Mr. Farrar was much above mediocrity. This is the testi- 
mony of competent judges, who have heard him preach. It 
is evinced in his manuscript sermons." That generation of 
men who grew up and matured under his ministry, and which 
he left behind him, bear testimony to his excellence as a man 
and as a minister of Christ. 

" Socially, he was affectionate and kind. In his intercourse 
with society he was dignified, and commanded the most pro- 
found respect, while yet he was affable, and, in the proper 
time and place, was facetious, and even witty, but never light 
or frivolous." 

" As a preacher, Mr. Farrar excelled. His sermons were 
in the style of the day, and the divisions, and sub-divisions, 
and sub-sub-divisions -were many. They were doctrinal and 
instructive, though practical and impressive. He had much 
of the executive element, and he accomplished much." He 
was a man of deep piety, and one of the traits of his charac- 
ter was humility. The remark he once made to a certain in- 
dividual, with tears in his eyes, strongty expressed his Chris- 
tian feelings. He said : '■'■ I have now been more than twenty 
years in my ministry here, and know not that I have done 
any good." Not long after this, " The winter of 1785-6 is 
distinguished as the time of the great revival. There seems 

to have been but one general revival during the ministry of 

i 



53 

Mr. Farrar. That was such as to merit particular notice. As 
the fruits of this revival, there were added to the church, dur- 
ing the year 1786, eighty-eight members. There was no other 
revival during the ministry of Mr. Farrar, though it continued 
more than twenty years." His ministry appears to have been 
very faithful and successful. 

" Mr. Farrar died suddenly, of apoplexy, June 23, 1809, in 
the seventy-first year of his age, and the thirtieth of his pas- 
torate." He was well adapted to the ministry, and to the 
place where he labored for Christ ; and during this long period 
there was a great calm in New-Ipswich. 

" Eev. JosiAH Goodhue, of Dunstable, Mass., was born in 
Hollis (date unknown) ; graduated at Harvard University, 
1755 ] settled in Dunstable, June 8, 1757 ; dismissed, Septem- 
ber 28, 1774 ; re-settled in Putney, Yt. ] and died, JN'ovember, 
1797. He is said to be a man of clear mind, prudent, dis- 
criminating, and universally beloved by his parishioners. He 
fell a sacrifice, at Dunstable, to the persevering opposition of 
a single man, who professed a chronic hatred to the clergy. 
* * ^ Dunstable was, for forty-two years afterward, without a 
settled minister." 

" Eev. Daniel Emerson, the first minister in Hollis, was born 
in Eeading, Mass., May 20, 1716, and graduated at Harvard, 
1739; was ordained over the church in Hollis, April 20, 17-43." 
He retained the sole pastorate of the church till November 
27, 1793, a period of more than fifty years, and was senior 
pastor till the time of his death (September 30, 1801). He 
died at the age of eighty-five, having sustained the pastoral 
relation fifty-eight years. He was a popular and successful 
preacher, and much esteemed by his people. There were sev- 
eral revivals under his ministry. 

Mr. Joseph Emerson, the first minister in Pepperell, was 
ordained February 25, 1746. He died February 29, 1775, 
aged fifty-one. His historian says of him, " He appears to 
have been a very useful, faithful and successful minister, be- 
loved, esteemed, reverenced by the church and people of his 



54 

charge. His religious views and principles undoubtedly har- 
monized with those of most of the clergy of his time in New- 
England. * * * During the twenty-nine years of his ministry 
he baptized eight hundred and seven persons^ admitted one 
hundred and ninety-six to the church, and solemnized one 
hundred and seventy-three marriages." 

-Rev. Samuel Dix was the second pastor of the orthodox 
Congregational church in Townsend, Mass. He graduated at 
Harvard College, 1758. He was ordained l^ovember 4, 1761. 
He continued in his pastoral relation till his death (November 
12, 1797), in the sixty-second year of his age, and the thirty- 
seventh of his ministry. He is spoken of as feeble in his 
physical constitution, but was faithful in his labors. He was 
distinguished for sympathy, kindness, gentleness, and self- 
denial. He is said to have been a useful minister in his place. 
He was a doctrinal preacher. During his ministry one hun- 
dred and seventy-three members were added to his church. 
His funeral sermon was preached by Eev. Stephen Farrar, of 
New-Ipswich. 

Samuel Webster, the first minister of Temple, was ordained 
October 2, 1771. He died August 4, 1777. In his obituary I 
find the following : "Providence permitted him to labor but a 
few years in his vineyard. He called for him in the prime of 
life, and in the midst of his usefulness. It might truly be said 
of him that he was a burning and shining light — the author 
of all good having furnished him with uncommon abilities, 
both of nature and improvement, sanctified, as we trust, by 
divine grace, which he cheerfully devoted to the service of the 
sanctuary, to the great satisfaction of those who had the hap- 
piness to share in his gifts. The truths he taught to others 
appeared to have their genial influence upon himself" He 
became a member of this Association 3iay 1772. 

Eev. Jonathan Livermore, the first minister in Wilton, 
united with this Association May, 1764. He was a native of 
Nortbborough, Mass.; born 1739; graduated at Harvard 1760. 

He was in the pastoral office fifteen years, and was dismissed 



55 

by an ecclesiastical council, 1778. He died in Wilton, July, 

1809, aged seventy-nine years. The whole number received . 
into the church during his ministry was one hundred and 
forty-seven. " It is said by those who knew Mr. Livermore, 
that he was a faithful, devoted and successful minister of the 
Gospel, and highly esteemed by his people." 

Eev. Sewall Goodrich was born in Lunenburg, July 18^ 
1743. He graduated at Harvard University in 1763. He was 
the second minister of Lyndeborough ; was ordained Septem- 
ber, 1768. " Mr. Goodrich is believed to have preached sound 
doctrine, and the early part of his ministry seems to have 
been highly blessed. Many were added to the church, not 
less than twenty-four the second year after his ordination. 
But for several years, toward the close of his life, he was dis- 
abled by physical infirmities. He continued, however, the 
pastor of the church till his connection w^ith it was dissolved 
b}^ death (March 14, 1809). He departed this life in the sixty- 
sixth year of his age, and in the forty-first of his ministry 
among his people." He became a member of the HoUis Asso- 
ciation, November, 1768. 

Eev. Joseph Kidder, who was the fifth pastor of Dunstable, 
was ordained in 1767, and dismissed in 1796. He died Sep- 
tember 6, 1818, aged sevent^^-seven. May, 1770, he united 
with this Association. I have no clue to the history of his 
ministry. 

During a period of one hundred and thirty years, ending 

1810, Dunstable, now ISTashua, had been destitute of a settled 
pastor forty-eight years. Then, much of the town was covered 
with shrub pines : now, with an able and ample ministry, it is 
a city, by name and by character. 

" Mr. Abel Fisk was born in Pepperell, Mass., 1752 -, grad- 
uated at Harvard, 1774; was ordained in Wilton, l^ovember, 
1778 ; retained his office twenty-four years, till his death 
(April 21, 1802), aged fifty years. During his ministry, two 
hundred and forty-five were received into the church — one 
hundred and seventy-nine by profession, and sixty-six by 



56 

letter." In 1779 he became a member of this Association. It 
*was said of him, in a sermon by Rev. Wrn. Emerson, " His 
praise was in every church which was ever favored with his 
services, and his merit acknowledged by all who knew him." 
During his ministry, two hundred and forty-five were received 
into the church. 

Noah Miles was ordained in Temple, October, 1782. He 
became a member of the Holhs Association, 1784. He died 
November, 1831. It is said of him by his historian, " Mr. 
Miles was an excellent townsman and peacemaker; a man of 
sound doctrine and good precept. He preached forty-nine 
years. He was eccentric in his modes of expression and illus- 
tration, but was held in high respect for probity, consistency 
and decision." He closed his life in the fiftieth year of his 
ministry, and the eightieth of his age, in full hope of a better 
life beyond the grave. 

Ebenezer Hill was born in Cambridge, Mass., January 31, 
1766. He graduated at Harvard College, 1786. He studied 
theology with Dr. Paysdn, of Eindge. He was ordained in 
Mason, November, 1790. He died May, 1854, in the eighty- 
ninth year of his age. In his funeral sermon I find the follow- 
ing items of his character : " As a man, our departed father 
was small in stature, but of sound constitution. It is a singu- 
lar fact that for fifty years he was detained from public wor- 
ship but two Sabbaths. In his domestic relations he was true- 
hearted, kind and careful. As a Christian, he appears to have 
had deep experience in spiritual graces. He was imbued with 
love to God, his house, people, word and worship. As a theo- 
logian, he was sound in the faith, holding the system of doc- 
trines usually denominated Calvinistic. As a preacher, plain, 
efi'ective and impressive. In his pastoral intercourse and 
duties, he set an example worthy to be imitated by all who 
hold the same office." He became a member of this Associa- 
tion in 1791. 

" Eev. Eli Smith was born in Belch ertown, Mass., Septem- 
ber, 1759, and graduated at Brown University, 1792 : was 
ordained as junior pastor with Mr. Emerson, November 27, 



57 

1793. Mr. Smith was a man of strong natural talents, a firm 
and energetic defender of the truth, and a successful pastor. 
^During a pastorate of a little more than thirty-seven years, 
between four and five hundred were admitted to the church. 
In a little more than six years, one hundred members made a 
profession of their faith. But the great revival of his minis- 
try was in the years 1801 and 1802. At that time one hun- 
dred and forty-two united with the church, and thirty more 
became hopefully pious, most of whom subsequently made a 
profession. There was another revival, and thirty or forty 
were added to the church. In 1817 there was still another, 
and about fifty were made subjects of renewing grace. Mr. 
Smith was dismissed in February, 18S1, and died at HoUis, 
May 12, 1847, in the eighty-eighth year of his age." He was 
a member of this Association fifty years. 

Eev. Cornelius Waters was born in Sutton, Mass., May 6, 
1749. He graduated at Dartmouth College in 1774. He was 
a good scholar. He studied divinity in the orthodox Calvin- 
istic schools, and was settled in the ministry in Goffstown, 1781, 
with a settlement of £100 and £70 salary. After five years, 
it was increased to £80. During his ministry* in this place, 
fifty-seven were added to the church. In 1795 his pastoral 
relation was dissolved. On the fourteenth of June, 1797, he 
was settled in Ashby, Mass., where he continued in the pas- 
toral ofi&ce till the fourteenth of February, 1816. It is not 
stated how many were added to his church in Ashby during 
his ministry. He joined the HoUis Association August 15, 
1804. He died in Ashby, July 30, 1825, aged seventy-six. 

To-day completes the centennial existence of this Associa- 
tion. "Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do 
they live for ever ?" All who were members of this Associa- 
tion during the first half of the last century have left their 
field of action, and have gone to receive their final award. 
Let us learn wisdom from their example, and be stimulated 
by their success to greater effort in our calling. Who, who 
will make the centenary address to the Hollis Association, 
May 5, 1962 ? Echo responds, who ? who ? 



SKETCHES OF MEMBEES FROM 1810 TO 1830. 

BY KEY. A. W. BURNHAM, D. d., OF EINDGE. 



Eev. EicHARD Kall was born in Mansfield, Ct., October, 
1784 ; removed in his childhood with his parents to Yermont ; 
graduated at Middlebury College in 1808, ^'having sustained 
the character of a diligent, exemplary and highly respectable 
scholar;" studied theology at Andover, and was ordained the 
second pastor of the congregational church in New-Ipswich, 
'N. H., March 12, 1812. His ministry was very successful. 
Having a clear, discriminating mind, and distinct apprehen- 
sions of Christian doctrine, in its relations and bearings, with 
a heart imbued with love to Christ, to the souls of men and 
his chosen work, he wrote well-constructed sermons. Lucid 
in the statement of divine truth, strong in the enforcement 
and appropriate in application, he was regarded by his people, 
and I think justly, among the best preachers in this vicinity. 

In an obituary notice by President Lord, then pastor of the 
church in Amherst, N. H., the writer says : " Possessed of a 
superior intellect, and governed by a high sense of moral obli- 
gation, Mr. Hall gave himself with singleness and assiduity to 
his ministry. He brought to his public performances the mat- 
ter of theology with great accuracy of language, precision of 
statement, power of argument, pertinence, force and honesty 
of application.^' Decision, inflexible firmness and integrity 
were so prominent features of his character, that Dr. Lord, in 
his sermon, preached in reference to Mr. Hall's death, is re- 
ported to have said, "that when Mr. Hall had once put down 
his foot, no one thought of asking him to take it up." 

After a laborious and successful ministry of ten years, and 
near the close of a great revival, his health began to fail. 
"While addressing an ordaining council, at Bradford, N. H., in 



I 



59 

May, 1822, he was seized with hemorrhage of the lungs, and 
from that hour he declined. 

The last months of his life in New-Ipswich were rendered 
painful to him, by manifestations and movements of the peo- 
ple, which he considered, and keenly felt to be oppressive. 
(See Kidder's History of New-Ipswich, pp. 179-180.) 

In ttie spring of 1824, doubtless aware that he was ap- 
proaching his " heavenly home," his wounded spirit turned 
with fihal yearnings to the home of his early years, and he 
removed to his relatives in New-Haven, Yt. As he passed 
the grave-yard of that place, he said, " That is to me the 
pleasantest spot on earth,'' and to his friends, " I have come to 
lay my bones with you.'^ 

There the good man died, July 24, 1824, aged 40 (Kidder's 
History says July 13, and gives his age 46 — incorrect if born 
1784). There his body rests Avith the dust of his kindred, 
under the sleepless eye of Him whom he served, and the spirit 
passing upward to heaven, is rejoicing in the Divine presence. 

Eev. Samuel Howe Tolman was born in Dorchester, Mass., 
April 30, 1781 ; at the age of seven, removed to Winchendon, 
Mass. ; made profession of religion in his youth, and graduated 
at Dartmouth College 1806 ; after teaching a while, qualified 
himself for a physician; but, under convictions of duty, he 
entered the ministry, and was ordained colleague pastor with 
Eev. Phineas Whitney, in Shirley, Mass.; afterward was pastor 
of the church in Dunstable, Mass., South Merrimack, N. H., and 
then j^erformed missionary service in comparatively small and 
feeble churches in New- Hampshire, Maine and Vermont. He 
died, in peace and joy, at the ripe age of 75, April 2, 1856, 
at Atkinson, N. H., where he had for a season, in former 
years, acted as pastor. In the language of his only son, Eev. S. 
H. Tolman, pastor of the Congregational Church, Wilmington, 
Mass., " Mr. T. was a sound Divine, and a serious, straight- 
forward, every-day Christian. He loved the truth, and all 
' who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.' " 

Eev. David Palmer was born in Windham, Conn., April 19, 
1769 ; the son of Eev. Job Palmer, pastor of the church in 



60 

that place. Becoming hopefally pious at the age of 24, in a 
season of revival, under the ministry of that godly man, Eev. 
Samuel Wood, D. T>., of Boscawen, N. H., he entered upon a 
course of studj^, graduated at Dartmouth College 1797, studied 
theology with Eev. Dr. Lee, Lisbon, Conn., and was ordained 
pastor of the church in Townsend, Mass., Jan. 1, 1800. He 
resigned February 16, 1831. 

Of his reputation in college, the Hon. Daniel Adams, of 
Keene, a classmate, speaks in very favorable terms. "He was 
very exemplary in character; social, kind and cheerful; a 
diligent student, well prepared in his recitations, and always 
in his place." 

In the words of one of his successors in the ministry, "As 
a man and a Christian, he possessed a happy flow of spirits, 
sprightliness of mind, frankness of disposition, together with 
sound and well-defined views of the duties and doctrines of 
revelation. His style of sermonizing was clear, forcible, 
pointed, and calculated to leave a distinct impression on the 
mind of the hearer." A Christian lady, a native of Townsend, 
in stating some recollections of her early days, says of Mr. 
Palmer, "He was a warm-hearted Christian, and entered into 
every religious movement, and especially into the several sea- 
sons of revival which he was permitted to enjoy in the course 
of his ministry." 

As a part of the fruits of his faithful labors, two hundred 
and fifty were added to the church in these years; while he 
left with the people and their children the precious influence 
of a long and uninterrupted ministration of Divine truth, and 
the maintenance of a godly life. Enjoying to the last the con- 
fidence and respect of his people, this servant of God fell 
asleep in Jesus February 15, 1848, in the 81st year of his age. 

Eev. James Howe was born of highly respectable Christian 
parents at the very foot of Monadnock mountain, Jaffrey, 
N. H., August 13, 1796 ; graduated at Dartmouth College 1817, 
at Andover, Mass., probably 1820; ordained at Pepperell, 
Mass., 1822, and died in that town July 19, 1840, having nearly 
reached the 44th year of his age, and 18th of his ministry. 

Of medium size, delicate frame, fair and uncommonly pleas- 



61 

ant countenance, .Mr. H. had an exceedingly well-balanced 
mind, an amiable disposition, a reasonable share of good hu- 
mor and genuine wit; attractive in his manners, gentlemanly 
in his whole bearing, accessible to every child ; at the same 
time thoughtful, discreet and firm in Christian principle, he 
was eminently qualified, as the course and results of his min- 
istry proved, for the pastoral office, and particularly, for the 
exercise of its functions among the people for whose welfare 
he spent the whole of his ministerial life. 

At the time of his ordination the line of division in the 
churches, especially in the easterly part of Massachusetts, was 
being distinctly drawn. Evangelical pastors and members 
were withdrawing, either voluntarily or by compulsion, from 
their places of worship, and gathering where they could, to 
enjoy unmolested the true gospel. Such a process was expe- 
rienced in Pepperell in the early part of 3Ir. H.^s ministry ; 
and it is sufficient to say here, that with a discretion, firmness 
and good temper rarely exhibited in similar circumstances, 
Mr. H., under the guidance of the Supreme Shepherd, went 
through, and led his flock through the fiery ordeal unharmed. 
His ministry was quiet and very successful. An excellent 
writer and preacher, gentle and judicious in all his movements, 
he secured, in an uncommon degree, the confidence and love 
of his brethren and his people; while those who had no sym- 
pathy with him in his religious views, " had no evil thing to 
say of him." 

In the wonderful revival of religion in Dartmouth College, 
in the spring of 1815, the subject of this sketch experienced 
the renewing grace of God. In that summer I sat at the same 
table with Mr. H. and a few others. It was a season very 
precious at the time, and in the memory of those, who, 
while taking their meals together, were able to speak, at least 
three times a day, of conflicts, hopes, and joys, then entirely 
new in their experience. He died, as. I suppose, of bronchial 
consumption. During the process of the disease he was quiet, 
submissive, and cheerful; and, relying on the arm of his blessed 
Lord, this lovely and beloved servant of Christ passed to his 
reward. 



62 

Eev. Charles Walker was a native of Eindge, N. H., born 
'Nov. 21; 1795, graduated with honor at Dartmouth College, 
1823, at Andover, Mass., 1826, and was ordained pastor of the 
church in ]N"ew -Ipswich, K H., Feb. 28, 1827. His ministry of 
eight' years in New-Ipswich, was one of great success, and 
also of great trials. After his dismission from that church, in 
1835, he was settled, March 9, 1836, in Windsor, Ct. ; again, 
1837, Medfield, Mass., dismissed in 1838 ; again in Wells, Me., 
and dismissed May 16, 1844. After passing the winter of 
1845 in Italy, he retired to a farm in Groton, Mass., where he 
died Oct. 23, 1847, aged 52. 

Sustaining a blameless reputation from his childhood, and 
admitted to the church in his native place, in early life, he was 
ever regarded as an eminently godly man — devout in spirit, 
and circumspect in all his walk, — "an Israelite indeed, in 
whom there was no guile.^^ He was a faithful and impressive 
preacher of the G-ospel, seeking with singleness of purpose the 
salvation of the people of his charge. If, in the perplexities 
at New-Ipswich, he sometimes seemed to be wanting in de- 
cision and independence, as intimated in the "History" of the 
church in that place, it arose, in my judgment, from a godly 
fear of doing wrong, and a strong desire for peace, especially 
in the church, — having in his constitution less than some 
men, of the element of self-confidence and positiveness of 
opinion. 

His dismission from New-Ipswich, forced upon him by a 
pressure which his tender spirit could not well bear, gave him 
a shock which he never entirely overcome. 

In his dying days, emaciated and trembling, accompanied by 
his affectionate wife, who was anxiously fearful that the mes- 
senger of death would arrest him on the road, he took a jour- 
ney from Groton, Mass., to Fitzwilliam, N. H., taking, on 
his way, his last view of his native town, and of the farm on 
which he was born, and passed his early years. 

God was merciful to his faithful, but now enfeebled servant, 
and fulfilled his wishes, and returned him to his home in 
Groton. And there our brother rested from his toils, and en- 
tered, through grace, " into the joy of his Lord." 



63 

Ebenezer Eockwood, M. D. This Chtistian gentleman and 
efficient servant of Christ, was horn in Groton, Mass., Aug. 13, 
1746, and died in Wilton, N. H., Feb. 10, 1830, aged 84. He 
graduated at Harvard College in 1773 — was Assistant Surgeon 
for a season in the Army, and then established himself as a 
physician, first in Hollis, N. H., afterward in Wilton, JS". H., 
where he enjoyed, in an unusual degree, the confidence of the 
people for more than half a century. A wise counselor, touch- 
ing the common interests of his fellow-citizens, Dr. R. had 
an extensive and successful practice as a physician ; and yet, 
so arranged his business, that he was seldom absent from the 
house of God on the Sabbath — an example for all who belong 
to the same honorable profession. 

When the Pastor and a j^ortion of the church in Wilton 
avowed themselves Unitarians, Dr. R., with a few others of 
kindred spirit, seceded, yet in an orderly manner, and for a 
while suffered " for the word of God and the testimony of 
Jesus." 

In behalf of the new church, which, under his leading, was 
soon formed, he gave his counsels and his whole influence, 
and, in the absence of a preacher, conducting public worship 
as long as he was able to do it, he held himself ready for any 
sacrifice needful for its prosperity. 

In view of his relations to this church, the Hollis Associa- 
tion deemed it proper to receive Dr. E. to its membership, and 
its sessions were held in regular order at his house. Allowing 
all due honor to the few men and women who assisted and 
suffered in separating from the old, and in forming the new 
church. Dr. R., considering his character and social position, 
his efforts and influence, may be justly regarded as the father, 
under God, of the present Orthodox Congregational Church in 
Wilton. 

Rev. Jacob Holt. Yery little is on record respecting Mr. 
Holt. He was born in Andover, Mass., in 1780, — graduated at 
Dartmouth College in 1803, — became the second pastor of the 
church in Brookline, JS^.H., in 1827, — resigned in 1831, — pass- 
ing the remainder of his life in Ipswich, Mass., where he died, 
probably, about 1851-2. Quiet and retiring in his habits, a 



64 

sincere Christian, he was evangelical in his religious faith, and 
cordially devoted to his work as a minister of the Gospel. 

Bev. Leonard Jewett was born in Hollis, N. H., Oct, 2, 
1787. At the age of fourteen, in the spirit of a true-hearted 
New-Hampshire boy of those days, taking his little bundle in 
his hand, he went to Salem, or to its neighborhood, seeking 
employment; and earning a little money, he entered on a 
course of study at Phillips Academy, at Andover, Mass., — grad- 
uated at Dartmouth College in 1810, — took charge, for a sea- 
son, of an Academy at Deerfield, Mass., and completed the 
appointed course of Theological study at Andover, Mass., in 
1814. 

His first labors, as a preacher, were in the Missionary ser- 
vice, in Western New- York, and, in his judgment, he there 
laid the foundation of the physical infirmities of his subse- 
quent life. Eeturning to New-England, he received, — but on 
account of feeble health, declined, — several urgent invitations 
to settle as Pastor. After some cessation from labor, and a 
voyage and visit to St. Petersburgh, Eussia, on his return he 
accepted a call from the church and people of Temple, N. H., 
to become their Pastor. He was ordained to this office, March 
6, 1833, and having sustained a faithful ministry of eleven 
years, greatly promoting the spiritual prosperity of the church 
and people, in the conviction of failing health, he resigned his 
Pastoral charge, July 25, 1844, and retired to his native place, 
HoUis; and there, "in his own country, and among his own 
kin," he dwelt for the remaining eighteen years of his life ; 
and, by his quiet. Christian demeanor, his cordial cooperation 
with the Pastor and church, of which he became an efficient 
member and officer, he rendered important aid in every good 
work. His Pastor said, "there is no danger of saying too 
much of him as a parishioner J' Possessing an uncommon share 
of forethought, he was noted for prudence and great circum- 
spection in all the circumstances of life; and, having no sym- 
pathy at all with the philosophies, and baseless speculations of 
these days of boasted progress, Mr. J. maintained a steadfast 
adherence to the faith and usages of New-England Evangeli- 
cal churches. His sermons were excellent, partaking largely 



65 

of the instructive character, rich in saving truth, well stated, 
clearly illustrated, and earnestly enforced, they were greatly 
useful in promoting the spiritual welfare of the people of his 
charge, and the cause of Evangelical religion. 

At the close of his Pastorate, as already observed, he retired 
to his native place, bearing with him the affections of his peo- 
ple; and there, after a quiet and useful residence of nearly 
twenty years, he died in peace, Feb. 16, 1862, in the 75th year 
of his age. 

Of these eight servants of Christ it may be truly written, 
"These all died in faith," and ascended, one by one, to join the 
glorious company of faithful ministers of Jesus, who had gone 
before them, in the presence and worship of the blessed Mas- 
ter, whom they served in their " day and generation." 



SKETCHES 
FURNISHED BY REY. SAMUEL LEE, NEW-IPSWICH 



Eev. Lycurgus P. Kimball was born in Boscawen^ IST. H., 
in 1814. He received his collegiate education at Jacksonville 
College, Illinois. He studied Theology under the tuition of his 
brother. He was ordained in Newtown, III., in 1840. After- 
ward he preached one year in Columbus. After that he 
preached in Rushville. May 19th, 1847, he was installed 
Pastor of the church in Milford, N. H. He was dismissed 
from his Pastoral charge, for want of health, August 7, 1849. 
Shortly after, he was installed in Eushville, 111., where he died 
Jan. 29, 1851, aged 37. 

He appeared to be a very holy man, and a very faithful 
minister. On his death-bed, he wrote to his brother, and ex- 
pressed his feelings in the following language: "I trust in 
Christ. I know he will not disappoint me. I am not only 
resigned and cheerful, but I am joyful, triumphant. I feast 
upon divine love. * * I have no fear to die. I long to go. 
Come Lord Jesus, come quickly, is the desire of my soul.^' 

Eev. Abner Barnard Warner was the son of Oliver and 
Ehoda (Bridgman) Warner, born at ^Northampton, January 8, 
1814. Parental piety consecrated him to God in baptism. He 
graduated at Williams College in 1833. He spent one year at 
Andover Theological Seminary, and two years at the Semi- 
nary in Gilmanton, IST. H. He was ordained Pastor of the 
church in Milford, :N". H., Feb. 6, 1839. His health failed, and 
he was dismissed Oct. 27, 1846. He was installed Pastor of 
the Mystic Church in Medford, Oct. 27, 1847. He preached 
till March, 1852, when his labors in the pulpit ended, A period 
of suffering succeeded, and he died May 26, 1853. 



67 

In person, Mr. Warner was somewhat below the medium 
size. His position as a scholar was good. As a writer, he 
was not devoid of logic, but more distinguished by the flow of 
a tasteful and rich imagination, and a fertility and pertinency 
of illustration. As a preacher, he was earnest, pathetic, win- 
ning. His tone and manner evinced the tenderness and spirit- 
uality of his heart. As a pastor, he was preeminent. Kind, 
sympathetic, communicative, he won the love of all, but espe- 
cially of the good. His labors were greatly blessed both at 
Milford and at Medford. His end was in keeping with his life. 
It was radiant with the glory of Christ. The following is 
from his farewell address to his church, dictated to an amanu- 
ensis but a few days before his death. 

" I can not give up the hope that God keeps me lingering 
thus, to purge out of me all the dross of a selfish love, and to 
make of me (if I may use the figure with humility) a spotless 
golden mirror to reflect only the glory of Christ. I know that 
I am losing myself more and more in Christ; I would be so 
lost, that you shall see nothing but Christ. I can not open the 
future to find out when I shall put off* this mortal. I think, 
nay, I hope, that the time of my departure is at hand. I am 
ready to be 05*6 red.^' . 

The following is from an address to his Association, of about 
the same date, 

" I love to think that all our labors of love in these lower 
mansions, shall find their rich and eternal compensations in 
our Father's house above. I am waiting, nay, longing for the 
time of my departure. At times I am overborne with bodily 
anguish, but for many weeks past I have dwelt in the clear, 
sweet sunshine of G-od's presence. I rest on Christ without 
one fear or one doubt. I know that no one shall be able to 
pluck me out of his hand. My prayer is, that in the near ap- 
proach of death every one of you may be filled with the peace 
that fills my heart. Expecting shortly to join the spirits of 
just men made perfect, I find still that the ties of Christian 
brotherhood that bind me here are stronger than ever ; but I 
must bid you all an affectionate farewell, and look for a re- 
union with you in glory not many days hence." 

Precious brother! may his example stimulate us and en- 



68 

courage us. And having lived as he lived, may our last end 
be like his. 

Eev. Charles Whiting was a native of Lyndeboro', N. H. ; 
born Jan. 23, 1813. His parents were Oliver and Hannah M. 
Whiting. He was baptized in infancy, and at the age of 
twelve years indulged the hope of the Christian. He made 
a public profession of religion in his eighteenth yearj and 
soon after made choice of .the Christian ministry as the work 
of life, and entered upon the studies preparatory to it. He 
graduated at Dartmouth College in the Class of 1837, " much 
respected as a scholar, and is remembered by all his compan- 
ions in study as a sincere and devoted Christian." He com- 
pleted his studies at Andover Theological Seminary in the 
autumn of 1842. He was ordained Pastor of the church in 
Wilton, :N". H., Jan. 4, 1843: dismissed Feb. 13, 1850. For 
one year subsequent to his dismission, he supplied the pulpit « 
in ISTelson, N. H., in the absence of their pastor. The last four 
years of his life he spent as a stated supply to the church in 
Fayetteville, Vermont, where he died May 5, 1855. 

Mr. Whiting was of small person, diffident, and retiring in 
his manner. Intellectually, he was not a genius, but he was a 
laborious and successful student. His sermons were thorough- 
ly elaborated, — logical, lucid, instructive. His spirit was gen- 
tle, affectionate. He won the love, the respect, the confidence 
of all his brethren in the ministry. Only good was said of him. 

Eev. John Millot Ellis was born in Keene, N. H., July 14, 
1793. His father, Millot Ellis, was a farmer in moderate cir- 
cumstances, but of devoted and rigid piety, and in spirit and 
in truth consecrated his son to Cod in baptism. This son, at 
the age of 14 years, consecrated himself to the Cod of *-his 
father. For several years subsequent to this, he thought of 
himself only as a man of business. But after years of success- 
ful business, he seemed to hear a voice within pointing to 
higher destinies. He must be a minister of the Gospel and a 
missionary to the heathen. 

He graduated at Dartmouth in 1822, and at Andover in 
1825. Previous to this he had come to the conclusion that 
the claims of Home Missions were most imperative upon him. 



\ 



69 

and he was ordained at Boston, Sept. 29th, the day after his 
graduation. He went directly to the great West as the field 
of his labors, and began his work at Kaskaskia, then the 
largest town in Illinois. While engaged in the labors of a 
pastor in this place, he also did much for the general intere^s 
of religion in the State. Prominent in the foundation upon 
which those interests could rest and rise, Avere Colleges and 
Schools, and he accordingly took measures at once to es- 
tablish a College. He enlisted his Presbytery in the object, 
and himself and tvv^o others were appointed a Committee to 
select a location, and, in general, to accomplish the object if 
possible. Jacksonville was made the plaee. In June, 1830, he 
was installed pastor of the church in this place. While here, 
and in his house, originated the plan of the Female Seminary 
of Jacksonville, which still remains a monument in honor of 
himself and his accomplished wife, Frances E. Ellis, to whom 
he was married April 2, 1828. 

^N'ear the close of 1831, his pastorate in Jacksonville ended. 
He at once entered upon the service of the American Educa- 
tion Society in Illinois. Soon after, he transferred his labors 
to Indiana, as Agent of the Presbyterian Education Society of 
J^ew-York, and Secretary of the Indiana Branch. In this 
capacity he had a prominent agency in the origin of Wabash 
College. Nov. 21, 1832, eight persons met at the house of 
Rev. James Thompson, in Crawfordsville. Mr. Ellis was Chair- 
man of the meeting. Then and there was taken the prayerful 
resolve to establish, in that place, the College. Fifteen acres 
of land were given for the purpose, and having chosen the 
spot for the building, in the midst of an unbroken wilderness, 
they knelt upon the ground white with snow, and conse- 
crated it to God for this holy purpose. 

In the summer of 1833, Mr. Ellis was itinerating in the 
State, but his family were still at Jacksonville, 111. Hearing 
that the cholera had visited that place, he hastened for home. 
One day, as he was on his way, he met a man who belonged 
to Jacksonville. "How long have you been from home ?" in- 
quired Mr. Ellis. "About two days." "Ho you know any 
thing of my family, Sir?" "Mr. Ellis, your wife and your 
children are all dead and buried." He had two children. 



70 

To a friend he said, years afterward, "Oh, I can never ex- 
press the loneliness, the unearthly abstractedness, and finally 
the sweet siibmissiveness of that afternoon. At first I was 
staggered and stunned, but before night God seemed nearer to 
me, and Christ dearer than ever before." 

While laboring for Jacksonville College, be came East, and 
by his influence induced seven of the graduating class in the 
Theological Seminary at ISTew-Haven, Conn., to give them- 
selves to Illinois, and to aid in building up the College. 

The years 1834 and 1835, he spent in New-England, in the 
service of the Education Society. In 1835, he married Miss 
Josephine Moore, daughter of Rev. -Dr. Moore, of Milford, 
N. H., and soon left again for the West, and became pastor of 
the church in Grass Lake, where his labors were attended 
with unprecedented success, and continued four years. Mrs. 
EUis' health rendered it his duty to come again to ]>Tew- 
England. 

In the year 1840, he was settled in East Hanover, JST. H,, 
where he labored two years, when sickness and a loss of his 
voice comj)elled him to resign. While at East Hanover he 
was again made childless by the loss of two children. 

Eegaining his health in part, he was employed for a while 
in an agency to raise funds for Dartmouth College; afterward 
as agent of the Society for Promoting Collegiate and Theo- 
logical Education at the West. 

In 1855, he formed the plan of originating a Christian Com- 
munity in JSTebraska, with Churches, Schools, and a College. 
He bought ten thousand acres of land, and came home to per- 
suade Christian people enough in Nevz-England to go with 
him to occupy the same. But the effort was too great. He 
returned to his family, now residing in Nashua, N. H., and 
was at once attacked with bilious fever, which terminated his 
life in eight days, August 6, 1855. His death, like his life, was 
eminently christian. He often spoke of perfect trust in an 
Almighty Saviour. 

In person, Mr, Ellis was tall and commanding. His manner 
was, at first impression, severe, yet he was eminently social 
and affable. His temperament was cheerful. He was prom- 
inent among the "Fathers of the West." 



SKETCHES 
FURNISHED BY REV. DANIEL GOODWIN, MASON. 



Eev. TViLLiAM Olmsted was born at West Chester, a part 
of Colchester, Couu., January 5, 1821. His parents were both 
pious, and early expressed a desire that William, the youngest 
of eight children, might become a preacher of the Gospel. 
Having lost his father at an early age, he was placed in a store 
at East Haddam. While at Haddam, he became a hopeful 
subject of grace, and united with the church. At the age of 
twenty-one he went to Hartford, where he engaged as a clerk. 
Being prostrated by severe sickness, his plans for life were 
soon changed, and the purpose formed to become a minister of 
Christ. With this object in view, he entered Williston Sem- 
inary, and, in the autumn of 1844, became a member of Yale 
College.. Owing to feeble health, he relinquished the collegi- 
ate course, and commenced theological studies. He spent one 
year at East Windsor, and two at Union Theological Semi- 
nary, N. Y., where he was graduated in 1847. He preached 
one year to a church in Brooklyn, N. Y. He came to 3Iason 
Tillage in the autumn of 1848, where he was ordained pastor 
of the church, April 11, 1849. 

In May, 1852, with health somewhat impaired, he attended 
the anniversaries in New-York city. On his return, while 
visiting his friends, he was taken sick, and died in his native 
town and among his kindred, June 6, 1852. His remains, ac- 
cording to his dying request, were interred in the graveyard 
at Mason Tillage. A marble, designating the spot, bears this 
inscription, selected by himself : "I shall be satisfied when I 
awake in thy likeness.^' 



72 

Mr. Olmsted was of medium hight, but of a slender and 
stooping figure. His countenance and manner were animated 
and pleasing; his imagination was fruitful; his talents practi- 
cal. A happy combination of natural gifts made him a popu- 
lar and effective preacher. He gave direction and shape to 
the plans and movements of the young people of his parish, 
as few ministers are able to do. As a companion, he was gen- 
ial and artless ; as a Christian, ardent and decided in his 
adherance to the doctrines of grace, which he proclaimed with 
great boldness, yet with such honesty and sincerity as rarely 
gave offense. 

His ministry at Mason Tillage was eminently successful. 
He gave himself, without reserve, to his work, and the Lord 
blessed his labors. During his ministry of three and a half 
years, thirty-seven were added to the church by profession. 

Eev. Henry E. Eastman was, for a short time, a member of 
the HoUis Association. He was born in Granby, Mass. ; was 
graduated at Amherst College in 1832, and at Andover in 
1835; was married to Miss Minerva ^Nash, of Conway, Mass., 
1836 ; was ordained in Brookline December 9, 1835. He re- 
mained there two years, afterward preaching in Tolland, 
Mass., for a time, when he went to the West under the direc- 
tion of the Home Missionary Society, and had been located 
four years in Soaierset, Hinsdale county, Michigan, when his 
master called him home. 

He died of typhoid fever, September, 1852. In his last sick- 
ness, it is said, he was remarkably peaceful, though strongly 
desirous of recovering for the good of others. For himself, 
he felt it would be sweet to rest in the bosom of Jesus. He 
left a widow and two sons, to whom he spoke words of hope 
and counsel, " Saying, do not be troubled; the Lord will pro- 
vide.'' When asked, in his last moments, how he was, he 
replied, '• Happy in the Saviour." 

Mr. Eastman is represented as a conscientious man, a faith- 
ful minister, distinguished for his amiable and inoffensive traits 
of character. In a resolution passed by the Presbytery of 
Marshall, he is spoken of " As a brother beloved in the Lord; 
intelligent, earnest and faithful, and as an example of single 
hearted devotedness to the cause of Christ." 



73 

IMatthew T>. Gordon was born in Blantyre, Lanarkshire, 
Scotland, December 10, 1812; came to this country with his 
parents, and four other children, in 1817. He early evinced 
great decision and maturity of mind, and, at the age of nine- 
teen, was the sole manager of a large cotton mill, in Benning- 
ton, Yt. Two years previous to this he had become a decided 
Christian, and such was his interest in the truth, that he re- 
solved to give up a lucrative business, and qualify himself for 
the ministry. He entered Middlebury College in 1836, and 
graduated in due course. He was subsequently employed as 
tutor, and in various secular occupations, and did not complete 
his studies until 1846, when he graduated at Union Theologi- 
cal Seminary. 

He spent two years at Sing-Sing State Prison — first as 
chaplain, then as warden. Soon after, he came to Hollis, 
where he was ordained pastor, March 21, 1849, which relation 
he sustained till July 7, 1852, having previously retired on 
account of ill health. While at Hollis, he was married to 
Charlotte C, daughter of Hon. Samuel Swift, of Middlebury, 
Yt. On leaving Hollis, he took charge of the academy at 
Groton, Mass., where he buried his wife and infant child. 

Being prostrated a second time, in hope of regaining' his 
health he left Groton, in Sej)tember, 1852, and, for a time, 
taught in a female college in South-Carolina, near Columbia. 
At first the climate seemed favorable, and hopes were enter- 
tained of his recovery. It soon became evident, however, that 
his time on earth was short. When informed of this by his 
physician, a sister writes : " He set about the last work of 
preparation. It was done with the greatest thoroughness and 
solemnity. My sister and I sat by him more than seven days 
and seven nights, like Job's friends, scarcely uttering a word. 
At length the cloud passed over, and from that hour his peace 
was as a river. I have done nothing but trust in Christ, he 
would say. My mind is in perfect peace ; nothing, not even 
my sins, disturb the peace of my soul." 

In June he came home to die. "I visited him in Hoosick 
Falls," says Eev. J. J. Abbott, "about two weeks before his 
death, and spent two or three days with him most delight- 
fully. He was perfectly calm and j)8aceful. His j^rotracted 



74 

experience of dreadful suffering, both bodily and mental, had 
subsided into a most sweet, simple, child-like trust in Christ. 
He conversed freely on death and heaven, till the last mo- 
ment, and then, with a composure and intelligence character- 
istic of him, said, ' Jesus, my Eedeemer, receive my soul,' and 
all was over." This was Sunday, August 21, 1853. He died 
of bronchial consumption, leaving a son, still living. 

" Mr. Grordon's character was strongly marked throughout," 
writes Eev. Mr. Abbott, "in all his personal and social quali- 
ties ; in all his traits as a thinker, a scholar, a theologian and 
a Christian. In sound common sense I think I never saw his 
equal. He often spoke of his indomitable will, which gave 
him a great deal of trouble. He was very positive and de- 
cided. He was a man of much dignity, and had a remarkable 
power in controlling other minds. Yet, as a friend and com- 
panion, I never saw a gentler spirit." 

In person, Mr. Gordon was of medium stature, of a firm, 
compact structure, apparently capable of great labor and en- 
durance. He had an open countenance, with a broad fore- 
head and a piercing eye. Cheerful and buoyant in his temper, 
he was never wanting in true dignity. He had a keen relish 
for the doctrines of evangelical religion, and a happy method 
of elucidating and enforcing them. 

Eev. John Shepherd was born at Gilmanton, [N. H., April 
1, 1788. After studying with a pupose of entering College, 
he engaged in mercantile pursuits. After his marriage, in 
1817, he became personally interested in the doctrines of the 
Gospel, and seriously thought of entering the ministry. Be- 
ing invited to Concord, he established the New-Hampshire 
Eepository, which he edited for five years. Eelinquishing this 
employment, he acted as an agent for the Tract Society for a 
time, when he decided to pursue a short course of theological 
study, under the direction of Eev. Drs. Dana and Himmock, 
of Newburyport. He preached, Avith evident usefulness, at 
Linebrook, Mass., in Windham and Biddeford, Me., and at 
South Merrimack. The last years of his life were spent in 
Nashua, where he died of lung fever, May 25, I860." His last 
words, " I am going to rest." 



75 

Mr. Shepherd married Miss Eliza BurDs, of Gilmanton, by 
whom he had nine children. Mr. Shepherd entered the minis- 
try late in life, and under serious disadvantages ; still, his 
attainments in Biblical knowledge were creditable to him, and 
Grod placed the seal of his approbation on his preaching, bles- 
sing it to the hopeful conversion of many souls. 

Eev. Noah Emerson, a brother of Brown Emerson, d. d., of 
Salem, Mass., and Eev. Eeuben Emerson, late of South Eead- 
ing, became a member of Hollis Association in 1854. He was 
born at ISTew-Ipswich, October 4, 1787, but when he was about 
six years old his father removed to Hancock. It was here 
he spent his youthful .days, and made a public profession 
of religion at the age of twenty or twenty-one. He was 
graduated at Middlebury College, Vermont, in 1814, and at 
Andover in 1817. From this time, for a period of nearly 
eight 3^ears, he served as an agent, respectively of Massachu- 
setts and Maine Missionary Societies, the Tract Society, and 
the Yermont Juvenile Society. 

While on this last agency he was ordained as an evangelist, 
at Woodstock. After valuable service in these Christian enter- 
prises, he was settled in Baldwin, Me., where he remained till 
January 1, 1850. 

He married Miss Amy, daughter of Eev. Eli Smith, of Hollis, 
February 10, 1830, who still survives him. 

On leaving Baldwin he was employed by the Congregation- 
al church in Greenfield two or three years. He subsequently 
purchased a place in Hollis, where he might spend the evening 
of life. Here he had the misfortune to lose one of his legs, 
which was badly fractured by a fall from an apple tree. 
Though disabled, he longed to gird on anew the armor he had 
so long worn, and enter the field of active service. The Lord 
granted him the desire of his heart, permitting him to preach 
at an Indian settlement, at Shinnecock^ on Long Island, N. Y- 
He had been there about two months, when, after preaching 
as usual three times on the Sabbath, beside teaching a bible 
class, he fell asleep in Jesus, early Monday morning, July 9, 
1860, in the 73d year of his age. But though far from home 
and loved ones, he did not die unwept and unlamented. He 



76 

had already secured a strong hold on the love and confidence 
of that rude people. 

In personal appearance, Mr. Emerson was, in advanced life, 
grave and venerable. His long white beard, his silver locks, 
his open, placid countenance, often irradiated with a pleasant 
smile, presented a vivid image of some ancient prophet or 
apostle. He was of a strong, muscular frame, above the usual 
stature. He sincerely believed and ardently loved the doc- 
trines of grace as revealed in the bible, and developed by 
Calvin, and others of the same school; and he sought no 
higher honor, in this world, than to be permitted to publish 
these precious truths to dying men. He was a warm friend 
of freedom and of free institutions. His sympathies were 
strongly enlisted in behalf of the enslaved in our land. In 
his will he made the American Missionary Association his leg- 
atee. 

Though earthly shepherds dwell in dust, 

The aged and the young ; 
The watchful eye in darkness closed, 

And mute th' instructive tongue ;— 

Th' Eternal Shepherd still survives, 

New comfort to impart ; 
His eye still guides us, and his voice 

Still animates our heart. 






